Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?
Beginning in August 2025, Luther Seminary will host the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?”
August 15–November 16, 2025
Luther Seminary, Olson Campus Center
1490 Fulham Street, St. Paul, MN 55108
Free and open to the public
The question of what it means to be human has never been more important. Christian leaders are increasingly called to engage communities of faith in deep, meaningful conversations around:
- Science and religious belief
- Care for creation
- How we understand who we are as humans
- How being human matters in today’s world
Through panels, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays, and videos, “Exploring Human Origins” invites viewers of all ages and faith traditions to explore and learn about milestones in the evolutionary journey of becoming human. The exhibit encourages a public conversation that focuses on multiple perspectives of what it means to be human—one that embraces the ideas and beliefs of non-scientists and fosters greater appreciation of the complexity of the science of human evolution.
In keeping with Luther Seminary’s Welcome Statement, which states that we are “a learning community rooted in the unconditional promise of God’s love for all people,” the exhibit also helps prepare leaders of Christian communities to engage with questions of faith and science. In addition to the exhibit, scientists and other experts from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s Human Origins Program will visit Luther Seminary to host events for the community, including a science program, clergy tour, community conversations, and more.
This traveling exhibit is administered by the American Library Association’s Public Programs Office in collaboration with the National Museum of Natural History’s Human Origins Program and participating libraries and theological schools throughout the United States. Learn more about “Exploring Human Origins” and explore featured resources.
For more information, contact smithsonian@luthersem.edu.
Volunteer as a Docent
Want to serve as a volunteer docent at the Exploring Human Origins exhibit? FIll out this online Volunteer Interest Form.
Hours
August 15–November 16, 2025
Monday–Thursday: 12–6 p.m.
Friday: 12–8 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday: Closed
Directions, Parking, and Building Access
Luther Seminary is located just east of Highway 280 on Como Avenue in Saint Paul. From Como Avenue, turn onto Hendon Avenue and proceed up the hill. Olson Campus Center is located at the top of the hill, at the intersection of Hendon and Fulham. Parking is available in lots next to selected buildings and along non-residential sides of the street. In general, seminary campus buildings are locked and an ID is required for entry. During the hours of the Exploring Human Origins exhibit, all four entrances to Olson Campus Center will be unlocked. See our Visit page for maps, building addresses, and more detailed directions to campus.
Special Events
Clergy Tour and Conversation: Leading Faith Communities in a Science-Driven World
Monday, September 15, 4-6 p.m., OCC Café (2nd floor)
Clergy Tour and Conversation: This invited tour for religious and community leaders will be led by Rick Potts, director of the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program. Attendees will also have an opportunity to explore the exhibit on their own, followed by a time of conversation related to the exhibit’s theme—What does it mean to be human?—facilitated by Jim Miller, co-chair of the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Broader Social Impacts Committee.
Evening Science Program: Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?
Monday, September 15, 7-9 p.m., Chapel of the Incarnation
Rick Potts, exhibit curator and director of the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program (National Museum of Natural History), will give a lecture for the general public about the latest research in human evolution and provide an overview of the exhibit’s themes and messages.
Seminary Community Conversation: What Does it Mean to Be Human? Preparation for Religious Leadership
Tuesday, September 16, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., OCC Dining Room
Members of the seminary community will explore together a variety of answers to the question “What does it mean to be human?” We will consider how answers to this question might intersect with a scientific understanding of human origins and will explore how scientific discoveries related to human origins might inform preparation for and practice of religious community leadership. This conversation will be facilitated by Jim Miller, BSIC co-chair, and Lee Meadows, science teacher educator.
Religious Educator Workshop
Wednesday, September 17, OCC
This workshop, led by Jim Miller, BSIC co-chair, will include a presentation on the significance of the relationship between science and religious faith, different forms of that relationship, six basic features of creation that the sciences have discovered, and resources for educational programs in congregations.