Fossils Underfoot exhibit, special programs at County Museum

A special interactive exhibit, “Fossils Underfoot,” will open in the San Bernardino County Museum’s Hall of Geological Wonders on Saturday, Sept. 27. An opening night reception for Museum Association members is planned for Friday evening, Sept. 26. The exhibit, which is included with paid museum admission, will run through Jan. 4.

“Our prehistoric past really comes alive in this new exhibit,” said Eric Scott, the museum’s curator of paleontology. “Visitors will have a chance to see fossils found in their own backyard—literally underfoot in and around San Bernardino County. They will also be able to test their skills and knowledge with interactive displays, and learn how fossils can give us clues to past life and geologic processes on Earth.”

Displays will lead visitors through the early oceans that covered most of the county 500 million years ago, evidenced by extinct trilobites and ammonites that swam in these seas. Explore life during the Permian, as life began to move from water to land only to be nearly wiped out by the great Permian extinctions when about 75% of life in the ocean and 95% of life on land died off. Marvel as dinosaurs evolved to rule the earth, only to themselves suffer extinction—or did they? See the rise of mammals, from tiny creatures to the giants of the Ice Ages.

Museum guests will also be able for the first time to explore the first floor of the museum’s Hall of Geological Wonders and some of its exhibits.

A series of special programs and events are scheduled for families during “Fossils Underfoot.” On opening day, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., guided tours and hands-on cart talks will be offered throughout the day, and children will learn how to build their own “Dinorama”—a dinosaur-themed shoebox diorama they can complete at home and bring to the museum to be displayed.

Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is Dinorama Day, with a special emphasis on learning and fun for children. Kids can bring their “Dinoramas” to be exhibit at the museum, make fossil replicas, enjoy dinosaur story time, and hear a talk from Curator of Paleontology Eric Scott especially for kids.

National Fossil Day is Wednesday, Oct. 15. Visitors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. can bring in their own rock, mineral, or fossil treasures for identification by a museum curator as they learn from and interact with engaging cart talks offered by the museum’s education division.

“Dinosaur Discovery Day” is Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This major event includes cart talks, dinosaur story time, dinosaur mask-making, face painting, dinosaur story time, cockroach races, and a big variety of games and crafts. Science won’t be ignored on Dinosaur Discovery Day either: three guest scientists who are experts on current dinosaur research will speak throughout the day.

Get ready for Halloween with Ghost Dinosaur Day on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The emphasis of the day is dinosaur fact and fiction, along with a good dose of Halloween fun. Curator of Paleontology Eric Scott will offer another especially-for-kids talk. Make a dinosaur mask and try out some hands-on learning fun. Wear your Halloween costume!

“Fossils Underfoot” is sponsored in part by the San Bernardino County Museum Association with support from San Bernardino County Libraries.