MARTINSVILLE -- The Virginia Museum of Natural History's new state-of-the-art facility with its large, inviting spaces has become a popular spot for individuals and organizations desiring a distinctive venue for a variety of events.

The museum will be the site of the 2008 Virginia Environmental Education Conference on Sept. 17 and 18, drawing 150 to 200 participants to the area from across Virginia.

The VEEC conference is hosted by the Virginia Office of Environmental Education, the Virginia Museum of Natural History and the Virginia Resource-Use Education Council.

The Archaeological Society of Virginia will hold its annual conference at VMNH from Oct. 9-12, drawing more than 100 participants to Martinsville from throughout Virginia.

The museum is hosting a two-day meeting of the Virginia Science Education Leadership Association. Over 50 leaders in science education from across Virginia are attending this two-day conference May 29 and 30.

The museum celebrated the opening of its new home March 2007. Its former home, a 1920s-era school building, had limited space for exhibits and museum operations, and had inadequate space for any significant conferences, receptions or other special events.

"There are other venues that can also serve as meeting spaces, but where else can you hold your event with a backdrop of an Allosaurus skeleton and a whale suspended from a 40-foot ceiling," said Carolyn Seay, special events and facility rental manager at VMNH. "Along with all of the amenities expected with a state-of-the-art meeting space, we are able to offer individuals and groups a truly unique setting and atmosphere for all types of events."

For more information about the museum's meeting spaces and to check rental space availability, contact Seay at (276) 634-4166 or carolyn.seay@vmnh.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and is accredited by the American Association of Museums, a distinction earned by fewer than 10 percent of museums in the United States. It's an agency of the Secretary of Natural Resources for the commonwealth of Virginia.

Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5:30 p.m. Admission for adults is $9; for senior citizens and college students, $7; children and youth 3-18, $5; and members and children younger than 3, free.

For more information about membership or volunteer opportunities, please call (276) 634-4141 or visit www.vmnh.net.