True Stories, Wild Things: A Celebration of National Moth Week

Thursday, July 23, 2026

7:30 pm

A close-up photograph of a moth, resting on a branch. Its wings are light brown and backlit by sunlight.
Shyamli Kashyap/Unsplash

Thursday, July 23, 2026

7:30 pm

As dusk falls over Central Park West, join the Museum for an evening of wonder dedicated to the winged insects that live in New York City.

Join us under the Blue Whale for a conversation with scientists working at the intersection of entomology, urban ecology, and conservation. Moderated by Director of the Museum’s Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Ana Porzecanski, the panel brings together Museum Chair of the Division of Invertebrate Zoology Jessica Ware, Museum Curator of Conservation Science in Invertebrate Zoology and Jaffe Chief Conservation Scientist Jesse Barber, postdoctoral researcher with the Department of Entomology at Rutgers Yahel Ben-Zvi, and founder of Mothbox and Director of Digital Naturalism Laboratories Andrew Quitmeyer.

Learn about the wonderful world of moths and their impact on the city we share. Our scientists will explore what’s driving insect declines, and what those declines tell us about the health of our urban ecosystem.  

Afterwards, join scientists on the steps of the Museum to observe urban nature up close as moths from Central Park and beyond gather for the evening. 

A portion of this program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.