The Spartanburg County Public Libraries – Headquarters Library will host the traveling exhibition Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? after the library was selected through a national competition offered by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and the American Library Association (ALA).

“We are excited that the Headquarters Library is one of six public libraries in the country selected to host this unique and fascinating exhibit,” said Library Director Todd Stephens. “Don’t miss seeing the Headquarters Library transformed into a science museum, and we will have an impressive line-up of programs planned, with offerings for kids and adults. Please join us.”

In addition, scientists and other experts from the NMNH Human Origins Program will visit Spartanburg to host events for the community, including a science program, educator workshop, community conversations and more.

Through panels, interactive kiosks, hands-on displays and videos, Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? invites viewers of all ages to explore and learn about the milestones in the evolutionary journey of becoming human.

The traveling exhibition 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.

The exhibition will open at the Headquarters Library located at 151 South Church Street on May 29, 2026, and close on July 31, 2026. The exhibition will be free and open to the public during library hours. For more information, visit www.spartanburglibraries.org.

Six libraries selected to host traveling exhibition on human evolution from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History | News and Press Center (ala.org)