Celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Serum Run and the heroic legacy of Balto, an iconic sled dog that helped save the small city of Nome, Alaska in 1925. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is hosting “Balto Day” Saturday, Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This commemorative event is free with general admission.
Visit Balto’s mount on display in the Museum’s permanent collection. Watch a sled dog show presented by the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Cleveland and meet a live sled dog up close.Collect stamps on a passport and “travel” along the Iditarod trail to receive a free prize. See professional ice sculptors from Elegant Ice at work in the Museum’s courtyard.
Balto-themed events and activities will highlight the historic events that took place 90 years ago. Balto led a team of sled dogs on the final leg of an expedition to deliver lifesaving serum to the diphtheria-stricken town of Nome, Alaska. After their courageous feat, Balto and his team became part of the vaudeville circuit and then were sold to become a sideshow attraction in a dime museum in Los Angeles.
This development and the dogs poor living conditions caught the attention of Cleveland native, George Kimble, who organized an effort to help save the dogs. Through collaborative effort, Cleveland rallied together to raise enough funds to purchase Balto and six other dogs from the team, allowing them to comfortably live out their lives at the Cleveland Zoo, now Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Visitors can learn more about the story of Balto on this special day.
The event is sponsored by PNC Grow Up Great.
General admission fees are: $14 adults; $10 ages 3-18, college students with valid ID and seniors over age 60; free for children 2 and younger. Shafran Planetarium shows are $5 with general admission.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History receives public support with local tax dollars from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, to preserve and enrich the region’s artistic and cultural heritage.
The Museum is located at 1 Wade Oval Drive in University Circle. For general information, call 1-800-317-9155 or 216-231-4600 or visit cmnh.org.
