The Inspiring Experience of a Lifetime: A Private Tour of the National Museum of Natural History

One of the most memorable highlights of the T3 Alaska students’ trip to Washington, D.C., was an extraordinary private tour of the National Museum of Natural History, led by the museum’s director, Kirk Johnson. The experience was transformative, not just for its rare access to private collections but for the inspiration and passion instilled in the students and their accompanying chaperones.

From the moment the group stepped into Mr. Johnson’s office, it was clear this wasn’t going to be an ordinary tour. His office alone felt like a treasure trove, with artifacts ranging from fossil-bearing Burgess Shale to the extinct passenger pigeon and ivory-billed woodpecker. Students learned curiosities about each piece of history, setting the stage for a tour filled with wonder and discovery.  Setting the stage: Coach Heather Howe held a narwhal tusk all before the tour even started!

The tour included awe-inspiring exhibits of ancient animals, dazzling minerals, cultural artifacts, and insights into our changing climate. But the true magic happened behind the scenes, where Mr. Johnson led the group into private collections rarely seen by the public. Mr. Johnson told impressionable stories – how the Hope Diamond was sent in the mail in a cardboard box and how the elephant in the lobby is the real skin of the largest elephant ever spotted!  Students learned about the museum preservation processes and ongoing research enhancing the knowledge of the past. One fascinating highlight was the 1964 discovery of Megalodon teeth on the Carolina coast and from those teeth the museum reconstructed a jaw and continued to make a 52 foot long model that hangs from the ceiling!

What made the experience truly unforgettable was Mr. Johnson himself. His wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and genuine respect for the students created an atmosphere of inspiration. He shared fascinating backstories, and the students were so impressed by his ability to be off-script the entire time, with such an immense depth of knowledge and a passion for his work that he never failed to tell another interesting fact or make the group laugh. The students felt very comfortable with his humble, easy to talk to and unassuming manner.

One message from Mr. Johnson that struck a chord was his observation:

“Art and science are the same—both are built on curiosity, creativity, and execution.”

The group walked away inspired. They shared their thoughts in quotes that highlight the experience:

• “I want to be a scientist because of this.” — Ben Houser
• “This is the best thing that has ever happened to me.” — Jackson Carney

The private tour of the National Museum of Natural History was more than a behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the world’s greatest museums. Aligning with the values T3 Alaska, ‘inquisitive,” the experience was a reminder of the power of curiosity, the value of preserving our past, and the endless possibilities that come from pursuing one’s passions. As the students left the museum, their excitement and enthusiasm for science and creativity were palpable, and the lessons they learned will undoubtedly stay with them for a lifetime.