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Sunday
February 2025
10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Balto Family Weekend

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Serum Run

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In January 1925, diphtheria struck Nome, Alaska. Twenty dogsled teams braved a blizzard to deliver lifesaving serum to the town. The leader on the last leg of the 674-mile journey was a sled dog named Balto.

Join the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for special programming as we celebrate Balto and the 100th anniversary of the Serum Run!

Our daily wildlife talks will focus on related canines, such as coyotes and foxes, while our planetarium shows will feature dog-related star facts. We will also welcome Jim Deprez, Co-Director of the Iditarod Education Department, who will share the history of the Iditarod, its "connection" to the Serum Run of 1925, and the people and practices involved in the current running of the race. He will have unique items, posters, photos, and Iditarod race memorabilia on display, as well as hands-on activities for kids and families. All are invited to learn more about Alaska's "Last Great Race!”

The Siberian Husky Club of Cleveland will be on site to educate visitors about these amazing dogs and offer the opportunity to register for the upcoming "I-Did-a-Run" race, which will take place in April at Edgewater Park.

Additional activities will include screen printing by Wave Space Screen Printing, Balto button making, and Balto Bingo. We will also be displaying original video and photos from the Serum Run and Balto's celebrated arrival in Cleveland.

This event runs Saturday, February 1, and Sunday, February 2. All special programming is included with general admission.