The Frost Entomological Museum
Hours
A public display area is open to the public during the week, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The museum is closed on Saturdays and Sundays and on some holidays, including the University recess between Christmas and New Years. Please call ahead during Penn State's winter and spring breaks as the museum may be closed during those times. Telephone: 814-865-1895. Penn State calendar.
Location
Headhouse III is located on Curtin Road on the University Park Campus about halfway between Shortlidge and Bigler Roads. The museum is across the street from the new Food Science Building and Berkey Creamery.
Detailed maps of the campus are available.
About the Museum
The primary objective of the museum is to accumulate and conserve a documented record of the insect fauna of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other areas.
Museum Programs
Museum programs are available for educational groups: preschool – 12th grade, university level students, home school programs, and scout groups. Currently, the museum does not have part- or full-time staff available to give programs. Programs are given by volunteers, many of whom are graduate students who also have commitments to classes and research.
Insect Holdings
The research collection comprises more than 2,000,000 specimens of insects representing at least 15,000 species. Specimens are pinned, slide mounted, and liquid preserved in alcohol. The important collection holdings include the George and Alice Beatty Odonata Collection, John Pepper Aphid Collection, K. C. Kim Anoplura Collection, and others.
Staff
In addition, several part-time employees, graduate students, and work-study students work for the Museum. To learn about the projects our staff are involved in, visit our Research page.
Museum Displays
Many of our displays are geared toward children. We fit a lot of insect information into a small display area at the Frost Museum.
Friends of the Frost Museum
Join the Friends of the Frost and you will interact with scientists, amateur collectors, and many others in preserving insect biodiversity, promoting environmental stewardship, and educating others about the world of insects.
