“…I think this is the most fun I’ve ever had in a job, ever,” says Las Vegas Science and Natural History Museum Marketing Manager Ashley Glenn.

Ashley came on board in her role at LVNHM in February, 2025–a matter of months before the museum rebranded. Formerly Las Vegas Natural History Museum, they added “Science” to their name in July, as they celebrated their 34th birthday.

Ashley explains that, while the museum has always offered both STEM and STEAM programming, the general public didn’t seem to be aware that science was a core part of the curriculum.

And her talents, as a storyteller and artist, are being put to great use as she promotes the museum’s interactive exhibits, special events and workshops. These include some expansions and additions to the curricula which garnered LVNHM a “Best of Las Vegas” top honor in 2024. (For 2025, they’ve also received a nomination! Ashley says the final winners will be announced in December.)

“I just love that I get to learn something new with every campaign,” Ashley says.

“Every single thing we do, has a learning opportunity.”

Interactive education

Creativity and interactivity are the hallmarks of those opportunities.

Las Vegas Science and Natural History Museum’s offerings include a menagerie where visitors get to interact with live animals, numerous hands-on exhibits and a number of special events. Over summer, they featured a “Rainforest Adventure” that included an interactive maze, monkey bars and even a zip line!

“That’s how kids learn best…interactive activities,” Ashley says.

Often, the young visitors are having such a good time at the exhibits and special events that they don’t realize they’re learning–only that they’re having fun.

Current and future programming

Las Vegas Science and Natural History Museum is currently hosting a series of cultural programs for Hispanic Heritage Month, from now through Sunday, November 2nd. On Friday, October 31st, they will welcome visitors (including kids in costume, who will receive free admission!) to their popular “Dinoween” event. And they’ll finish out the year with a full month of “December to Remember” exhibits and festivities.

Ashley talked about her background, shared some of her favorite experiences as a storyteller and artist in her role at LVNHM, and offered a closer look at some of the live animals with whom visitors get to interact.

On this edition of Over Coffee®we cover:

• How Ashley first discovered her passion for storytelling and nonprofit work;

• Her memories of growing up with LVNHM;

• How the rebrand came about;

• Ashley’s favorite memory from the rebrand;

• An imaginary “walk” through the museum to see its new features;

• A closer look at one of the animals in the museum;

• The museum’s new mobile lab;

• Some of the Hispanic Heritage month events that will be coming up;

• One of the scientists who will be spotlighted;

• What’s going to be happening for “Dinoween”!;

• A special event coming up after Halloween;

• A call for artists!;

• An honor the museum received, from the community;

• The programs they’d like to implement for 2026;

• A fun recent creative experience Ashley had in her role at the museum;

• One of the most misunderstood animals in the museum’s menagerie;

• Ways you can support the Las Vegas Science and National History Museum;

• How to request a field trip or educational visit;

• One of the best creative lessons Ashley has learned since she started working with the museum.