Museum Events
Virtual Programming
With all the uncertainty over the last few years, many of our programs have been converted into a virtual format. Check out our current list of programs and events below!
"Ask A Geologist" Web Series
Join us on certain Thursday evenings for these online sessions, where we hope to engage children and answer their questions! During each event, our geologist will first introduce the day's geologic topic and then answer your questions about it! Events are primarily aimed at elementary and middle school-aged children, but all ages are welcome to join and learn something new!
Visit the "Ask A Geologist" Webpage for a schedule of upcoming events.
View our Previous Ask a Geologist Series
Virtual "Amazing Minerals" Patch Tours
Our "Amazing Minerals" Patch Tour is now offered in both in-person and virtual formats! While originally developed for cub scout and girl scout groups, this program is perfect for anyone interested in learning about rocks and minerals. This program costs $10 per participant and includes a Mineral ID kit. This program was developed for children in grades K through 6.
Check out our Programs for Scouts webpage for more information and to register.
Virtual "Fossil Fun" Patch Tours
Our "Fossil Fun" Patch Tour is now also offered in both in-person and virtual formats! While originally developed for cub scout and girl scout groups, this program is perfect for anyone interested in learning about fossils and dinosaurs. This program costs $10 per participant and includes a set of 3 fossils. This program was developed for children in grades K through 6.
Check out our Programs for Scouts webpage for more information and to register.
Virtual Geology Merit Badge Program for Boy Scouts
Our newest program was developed specifically for Boy Scouts interested in earning their Geology Merit Badge. This is a two part program, focusing on the Energy Resources Track of the Geology Merit Badge.
Check out our Programs for Scouts webpage for more information and to register.
Ask A Geologist Web Series
Our "Ask A Geologist" web series will continue this Fall! Tune into these online sessions, where we hope to engage children and answer their questions! Like all of our events, this virtual event is completely FREE!
During each event, our geologist will first introduce the day's geologic topic and then answer your questions about it! Events are primarily aimed at elementary and middle school aged children, but all ages are welcome to join and learn something new!
For a list of past presentations and video recordings, click here.
Upcoming Events
Click to view Past Event Videos
Fossil and Mineral Identification
Think you found a meteorite? Check out these links to self-identify your specimen.
In-Person Specimen Identification
In-person mineral and fossil identification is offered at our Annual Open House each year in January. Check out the below link for information about the Open House event.
Before you bring your specimens in, here are a few tips that will help geologists with the identification:
- Bring as much information on your specimens as possible. If it belongs to a friend or family member, try to get the information from them prior to your visit. Information on its place of origin and how it was found are especially important.
- Please do not bring any hazardous materials to the museum.
- Extremely large or heavy objects should not be brought to the museum. Please contact the museum staff ahead of time if this applies to you.
- In some cases, a list of the object’s properties (weight, dimensions, magnetic properties, etc.) can help us to identify it.
- If you think you have found a meteorite, please check the two links above first to see if it might be a piece of slag instead.
Receptions
Host your next party or reception at the Geology Museum.
Packages are available for university departments and the public to rent the museum for private parties.
When renting out the museum, we provide a limited number of tables and chairs, tablecloths, coffee and tea service, and 4-hour use of the museum.
Over the years, we have hosted a wide range of private events, which have included departmental parties, holiday parties, graduation parties, retirement parties, and weddings. However, we are capable of accomodating your needs even if they do not align with any of our previous receptions.
For more information about receptions at the museum, please fill out our reception inquiry form or call the museum directly. Our staff will be happy to help you plan your reception and will discuss all the rental details.
Birthday Parties
We have birthday parties down to a science!
If your child has a love for dinosaurs, fossils, mummies, or minerals, then celebrate their next birthday at the Rutgers Geology Museum. We offer geologic themed birthday parties for children ages 5 and older, which can be booked on weekends.
We now offer two birthday party packages with your choice of a guided tour and scavenger hunt or two arts & crafts activities and scavenger hunt for our regular package. Our Paint Along Birthday Party package includes a 1.5 hour step-by-step guided instruction of a natural history themed painting.
Party Times
Birthday parties are held at times when the museum is closed to the public so that you and your group can have the entire place to yourself. Parties can be reserved during one of the following time slots. All dates are subject to the museum's avaliability.
- Saturday- 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
- Sunday- 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Book a birthday party at the Museum!
Regular Birthday Party Package
Choose a birthday party theme from one of the four listed below. Standard birthday party packages cost $400 and include the choice of two arts & crafts (listed below each theme) OR a guided tour of the museum:
Fossils and Dinosaurs
Travel back millions of years to when the dinosaurs roamed the Earth with activities such as:
- Making a stegosaurus hat
- Creating your own fossil necklace
- Constructing a dinosaur diorama
- Fashioning your very own movable dinosaur
- Use stamps to create your very own fossil footprint trackway
Ancient Egypt and Mummies
Is your child fascinated by the ancient Egyptians? With this birthday party package, your child and friends will have the choice of:
- Making your own cartouche
- Creating your own 3D pyramid
- Decorating your own headband or cuffs with hieroglyphics
- Constructing a 3D mummy
- Coloring in your own sarcophagus
Gems and Minerals
Discover the wonders of gems and minerals with this party package, which includes activities like:
- Painting your own pet rock
- Mineral Bingo
- Create your own mineral playing cards
Paint Along Birthday Party Package
Your child and their friends will work with our staff to help them create a stunning natural history based masterpiece! We will provide all the materials and simple instructions to create their very own painting on a canvas in one 1.5-hour session. Our capable and friendly instructors will be there to guide your child and their guests through the painting process step-by-step. No prior painting or artistic experience is needed.
This party package is not recommended for children under the age of 6 and an additional supply fee of $60.00 will be charged.
Choose from one of the following painting themes:
Host a birthday party at the Rutgers Geology Museum knowing your child and his or her friends are being inspired, creative, and educated!
See the Birthday Party FAQ page for pricing and any other questions you may have.
Testimonials
I just wanted to send a hearty THANK YOU for a wonderful time at my son Colin’s birthday party at your museum today. I expected a great party, but today far exceeded even those expectations! This was largely due to the great hosting by Erica, Tanya, and Alex. They were so patient, accommodating, and great with the kids from set up through cleanup! I cannot thank them enough and the rest of your staff for making Colin’s birthday party such a fun and exciting time. Thank you again! - Stephen from New Brunswick
