Explore the basement at U. history museum

Today's the day for those who enjoy poking into closets and attics in search of forgotten treasures: They can enjoy the annual "What's in Basement?" event at the Utah Museum of Natural History.

Once a year, the museum, at 1390 E. President's Circle, on the University of Utah campus at the top of 200 South, opens its entire building to allow the public to see vast collections not normally on display, according to a press release.

"The museum's storage areas, including its rows and rows in the basement, will be open for people to see some 1.5 million collection objects kept in storage because of limited exhibit space," it said. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and normal admission will be charged.

Theme this year is "water marks" relating to ancient objects with ties to water in Utah and the surrounding area. These include everything from dragonflies to clams, trilobites, grasslands specimens and waterfowl.

Researchers and staff members will guide visitors through the collections.