AUGUSTA – The Maine State Museum’s newest exhibit showcases many of its science collections, including animal mounts, unique rocks, study skins, mineral specimens, and mushrooms. Titled “Cabinet of Curiosities: The Museum, Science Collections, and You,” the exhibit opens Saturday, April 28.

“The Maine State Museum has the most diverse Maine-related science collections in the state,” said Paula Work, curator of the exhibit along with co-chief scientist David Work.

“And what is most interesting is that many of these specimens were collected in the mid- to late-1800s. They represent important biological and geological data about Maine that has relevance to this day,” said Work. “Scientists can use this data in many ways to understand our environment. In the exhibit, we are using hands-on activities for visitors of all ages to demonstrate the many uses of science collections.”

Several items in the museum’s collections are back by popular request, said Museum Director Joseph R. Phillips. “These include locked antlers and heads of two bull moose found in 1938 near Second Roach Pond and moon rocks, collected by Apollo 11 astronauts during the first manned moon landing in 1969.”

Visitors will enjoy seeing these extraordinary items, along with many other specimens, some of which have been in the museum’s collection for more than 100 years, according to Phillips.

Admission to the museum April 28 will be free. At 10 a.m., natural science educator Lisa Kane from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will present a hands-on activity, “Skins and Skulls,” for visitors of all ages. Paula Work and David Work will host “Curator’s Corner” throughout the day when visitors are invited to bring in natural history specimens for identification. The day will also feature a birthday celebration for an albino porcupine and a baby moose that have been in the museum’s collection for 110 years.

Passports for Young Investigators will be issued April 28 to anyone who wants one. These “passports” will be a record of activities completed at special events relating to the new exhibit throughout the summer and fall of 2007. Prizes will be awarded at the final event.

The museum, located in the State House complex off State Street, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Closed holidays. For more information call (207) 287-2301, or visit the museum’s Web site at www.mainestatemuseum.org.