Fernbank Museum unveils Naturalist Center

If you think your woolen attire is scratchy, consider what the well-dressed Lakotan wore when fall’s winds gained strength on the American Plains: a porcupine-quill jacket.

That Native American jacket, plus other items fashioned from animals, plants and minerals, is on display Saturday in newly transformed space at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

The museum’s Naturalist Center debuts with four new public programming rooms, adding 3,300 square feet of space for visitors to explore. Located on the museum’s top level, the center once comprised classroom space.

The inaugural display is “Beauty from the Earth,” and features an amber cameo pendant from Russia, a necklace of seeds and shells from New Guinea, a wool Navajo rug from the American Southwest and a wooden headrest from Ethiopia, among other artifacts. Yes, the porcupine jacket is featured, too.

The center’s debut also marks the return of “Weekend Wonders,” one of Fernbank’s most popular children’s programs. This program, which introduces youngsters to the natural world with hands-on activities, takes place in the Early Childhood Learning Area.

“In My World,” designed for 3- to 5-year-olds, returns on select Wednesdays.

The Naturalist Center also will host varying camps and showcase geologic and archaeological topics throughout the year. It will be the site for activities designed for adults, students and children.

Fernbank’s Naturalist Center

Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road N.E. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Members free; adults $15; students and seniors $14; children 12 and under $13. 404-929-6300, www.fernbankmuseum.org.