Summer 2025

;onder on ;heels is the 4acific +roZe 2atural ,istor] 1useuQ´s new Qobile QuseuQ proZiding a new aZenue for outreach and education in the coQQunit]. L ast September, a circa-1976 converted eleGtriG ZEn beGEme tLe 4EGifiG +roZe Museum of Natural History’s traveling museum known as Wonder on Wheels, or WOW. “Wonder on Wheels is our opportunity to take the museum out of the museum and into the community,” explains Liese Murphree, director of education and outreach. “We visit farmers markets, community festivals, commu- nity centers and after-school programs.” The truck housing rolling carts is an exhibit of its own, highlighting plants, animals and cultural objects from Monterey County. Kids are offered markers to help color in the drawings. Each cart highlights a different theme: Pollinators and Flowers, People and our Land, and Monterey Bay Wildlife. Activities, skulls, skins and games spark the imaginations of both kids and adults, highlighting the importance of conservation. “We have made a concerted effort to develop activities that involve both an adult and a child learn- er together,” Murphree explains. “Also, all activities are presented in both Spanish and English.” Founded in 1883 and known for the 40-foot cement whale outside the museum as well as its engaging exhibits and gardens, Murphree hopes WOW will inspire more people to visit the museum. “We are free to everyone in Monterey County,” she says. “There’s a lot to offer in this little museum.” The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History is located at 165 Forest Avenue in Pacific Grove. For infor - mation, visit www.pgmuseum.org or call 831/648-5716. New Mobile Museum Wonder on Wheels WOWs the Community B Y B R E T T WI L BUR 7,368 CUTS %8 0%6+) 86 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 Photo: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History