Explore 75 Years of Discovery at Lamont-Doherty’s Open House on Oct. 19
A guide to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory’s 75th Anniversary Open House, which will provide free shuttles for New York families to the Palisades.
On the Hudson River in the Palisades sits the scientific research heart of Columbia Climate School: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO).
Since its founding in 1949, LDEO has been at the forefront of many scientific breakthroughs, from being the first to map the seafloor to revealing the oceans' role in triggering climate change.
But alongside these important discoveries, LDEO has also been a hub for public engagement in the sciences, opening its doors every year for an event called the Lamont-Doherty Open House. This year's event will take place Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This yearly tradition invites over 4,000 neighbors, students, Columbia community members, and the general public to the LDEO campus for free exhibits, lectures, workshops, and demonstrations. This year, LDEO is presenting a special edition of the Open House to celebrate its 75th anniversary—and all are welcome!
To help you prepare for the event, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to guide you through the day. For specific questions regarding Lamont-Doherty Open House, please reach out to [email protected].
How do I get to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory?
For Uptown NYC families interested in attending the Open House, free shuttles will depart from Columbia’s Morningside Campus to take you directly to the LDEO campus (see the graphic below for exact pick-up location).
Buses will leave every 15 minutes starting at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19. The last bus from Morningside Heights will depart at 1:15 p.m. To return to Manhattan, buses will depart from Lamont-Doherty every 15 minutes from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and again from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For those driving, complimentary parking will be available at the Open House parking site. For more details, visit the Open House website.
What kind of activities will there be at the Open House?
There will be a wide variety of exciting activities during the Open House, catering to all ages and scientific interests. You can find the full list of events on the Open House website.
Many of the events feature interactive exhibits, art installations, hands-on workshops, and engaging lectures designed for both adults and children. Young scientists may enjoy assembling puzzles of polar maps or popping balloons to measure sounds underwater, while adults might attend lectures on climate science and its global impacts. Whether you're a student interested in science experimentation or an adult eager to learn more about scientific discoveries, there’s something at the Open House for everyone.
How can I learn more about LDEO’s work in the sciences?
After 75 years of groundbreaking research, has made significant contributions to our understanding of the earth and its climate. To get an overview of LDEO’s achievements, discoveries, and overall history of the campus, you can explore a detailed timeline of milestone events from 1949 to today, available on the LDEO website.
What is there to do at LDEO during the year?
Throughout the year, LDEO offers a variety of educational opportunities for students and educators alike to engage with science. Programs like Rockland P.L.U.S. engage high school students in sustainable planning, while the Day in the Life of the Hudson gives K-12 students the chance to participate in hands-on field experiences. In the summer, students can dive deeper through programs like Secondary School Field Research internship, Next Generation of Hudson River Educators, and the Polar Climate Ambassadors, which provide meaningful experiences in environmental and climate science.
For educators, the Earth2Class program connects K-14 teachers with scientists, allowing them to bring cutting-edge research and new teaching tools into their classrooms year-round.