PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. — The Pacific Grove Museum has announced a big start to 2024 with a celebration of their 140-year history and a special tribute to their beloved icon, Sandy the Whale.

Now through February, guests exploring the Museum will get to enjoy a special temporary exhibit highlighting people and events over the past century and a half that have shaped the institution into the space of learning and discovery it is today. Featured among the historical characters in the exhibit is a panel on Sandy the Whale, the Museum’s life-size grey whale sculpture created by artist Larry Foster. For decades, residents have enjoyed climbing on or taking photos with Sandy, who has rested in front of the Museum now for over 40 years. “We love celebrating the people and characters of this community that have made the PG Museum what it is today.” says Chris Green, Museum Director of Exhibits & Collections, “Not only can we honor important and formative figures from our history, but we can highlight everyone’s favorite 8,000 pound concrete cetacean.”

To properly celebrate Sandy, the Museum also has an array of events leading up to Sandy’s birthday all about whales and whale migrations. A special animal camp will be held on Monday January 15th. On Saturday January 20th local author James Dorsey will be speaking about the whales of San Ignacio and signing his new book. This will be followed by a Science on Tap about cetaceans and whales with brews from Peter B’s on Thursday January 25th. The celebrations will culminate with Sandy’s Birthday Party: a free Science Saturday event on January 27, from 10am-3pm. The day will include whale activities, a giant party hat on Sandy, and cupcakes for the public to enjoy.

“We are thrilled to pair a celebration of the Museum’s history with a tribute to Sandy, who has meant so much to multiple generations of our community members.” Says Lisa Max, the Museum’s Interim Executive Director “The best part of our events are the many people of all ages who come and enjoy them. We hope we’ll get to see you in January!”

Upcoming Events at the Museum:

Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society Public Meeting: January 12, 7-9pm

K-5 Amazing Animals Camp: January 15, 9am-3pm

New Year Lapidary Workshop: January 19, 5-7pm

Teacher Workshop: Student Research Symposium: January 20, 8am-12pm

Junior Naturalists & Conservationists, Magnificent Monarchs: January 20

James Dorsey Talk & Book Signing on The Lagoon: Encounters with the Whales of San Ignacio: January 20, 5-6:30pm

Science on Tap: Cetaceans and Tales of Whales with Peter B’s Brewpub: January 25, 5:30-7:30pm

Sandy’s Birthday Party: January 27, 10am-3pm, Free at the Museum

About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

In 1883, the Museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation, a tradition the Museum has continued for over 140 years. The Museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The Museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.