Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Messiah University is closed to off-campus guests through the end of the school year.

The Oakes Museum is planning on reopening to the public in June 2021:

Starting June 1, 2021, we will resume our Saturday public hours, and offer field trips/tours with the following guidelines:

• Visitors (age 2 and over) must wear a cloth mask over their mouth and nose at all times.
• Visitors must stay physically distant from each other.   

Museum staff will:

• Wear a cloth mask over their mouth and nose at all times.
• Stay physically distant from visitors at all times.
• Wipe down any touched surfaces after use.

Visitor safety is our highest priority. Messiah University reserves the right modify guidelines and/or cancel visits if necessary in order to comply with local, state, and federal guidelines and recommendations.

The Oakes Museum of Natural History 

The Oakes Museum of Natural History is a unique museum experience for the family, classroom, or group featuring more than 40,000 specimens. 

The 10,000-square foot museum is home to a collection of Smithsonian quality African and North American mammals, birds, eggs, fish, seashells, minerals, insects, and fossils.

"You run a top notch program.  I have been recommending it to other parents & friends.  Your staff people are very professional and well spoken. We will be Curator & Scout patrons for as long as you run the programs. Kudos to you all!"