In an effort to increase community involvement, the Arizona State Museum is welcoming the public to its open house on Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Students from the UA and Pima Community College will be able to learn about the exhibits that the museum has to offer.

This fourth annual open house has been publicized with the hope of sparking undergraduate interest in the museum. The open house will give students information regarding research, employment and volunteer opportunities, as faculty and staff are looking to keep interest in the museum strong over the years.

“We want to introduce the museum to students who are interested in social sciences or American Indian studies,” said Chuck Adams, curator of archaeology and professor in the School of Anthropology.

During the open house, students will be able to visit a variety of labs that may spark their interest in the museum.

The faunal lab will be open to give students an idea of how animals and specimens are identified at archaeological sites. A conservation lab is open for students who are interested in preserving and maintaining artifacts. There are also archaeology labs and a human identification lab for those looking to inquire about research opportunities. The exhibits area and library will also be open to the public.

“We want everybody to have a good time and to learn about the museum and want to get involved on some level,” Adams said. “I love to have students visit. I’m a professor; I teach students at the university in the hopes to excite and involve and educate. This is just another opportunity to do this.”

Faculty and staff will also attend the event to answer any questions and act as curators for the museum.

In addition to free food, the museum will also offer a raffle to give away books, baskets and other gifts. Adams added that he is looking forward to opening his archaeology lab for students during this event, where he will be ready to answer any questions that students have.

“Our goal for the museum is to develop more and more interesting and exciting programs that fit the needs of the whole Tucson community — but also the interests of students at the university,” Adams said. “We’re always developing new ideas and exhibits.”

Patrick D. Lyons, museum director, said that the basic idea for the open house is to promote the museum as a resource for students and staff in many different ways. While the museum is designed for students who are primarily interested in Southwestern culture and archeological rarities, the museum encourages all students to engage in the open house.

Lyons said that he’s looking forward to seeing new and unfamiliar faces at the museum. He said he hopes that attendees may be able to find a niche that fascinates them and encourages students to get involved in volunteer, research and employment opportunities.

“I’m hoping that lots of students who may not have come through our doors will visit for the first time,” Lyons said, “and that people will find an opportunity to become a part of the Arizona State Museum community.”