On May 18, 2011, the International Museum Day, thirty museum enthusiasts consisting of different age groups took the opportunity to experience the job of museum workers. They were invited to be one-day museum workers and got involved in various daily museum activities.

They visited the researchers in paleontology departments, zoology departments and botany departments and learned about how they conducted researches and communicated their knowledge to the public. In the specimen storehouse, the participants saw the workflows inside and the rich collections of BMNH and worked out how to preserve and protect specimens. And the most exciting part was to prepare specimens and repair fossils under the supervision of the museum technicians.

From their personal experience, the enthusiasts had a clear idea about the sophistication of museum tasks and the close coordination among different departments in the museum for successful exhibitions. At the same time, they became ever more appreciative of the significance of museums in communicating scientific knowledge to the public and the passion the museum staff showed for their job.

To conclude the one day activity, BMNH Deputy Director Li Jianwen thanked the enthusiasts for their support and presented certificates to them as souvenirs for the experience.