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
The ask a geologist series was an event created during COVID, and the past recordings can be viewed here. Check back for information on future events!
For a list of past presentations and video recordings, click here.
Click to view Past Event Videos
Traveling Summer Program
Have the Rutgers Geology Museum present at your library, summer camp, or community function this Summer! Rutgers geologists and Museum staff will visit your organization and present a mineral-themed activity!
The Museum offers one program for all age levels, and it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
When: Monday through Wednesday during the months of June and July, and Monday through Friday during the month of August, subject to availability.
Where: Your location must be within a 50-mile radius of the Rutgers New Brunswick Campus.
If over 50 miles away, additional fees may apply.
Cost: $75 per program
Price is based on a maximum of 30 children per program (limit is 30 children).
Request your event today!
2025 Program
Amazing Minerals: All Ages
Museum staff will talk about minerals, and participants will learn about the three rock types, how they are formed, and how geologists define minerals and their properties. Participants may purchase their own take-home mineral identification set for an additional fee!
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.