Annual Events
Fossil Day
Fossil Day
Date: Saturday, October 12
Time: 9:00am – 3:00 pm
Cost: Included with admission – all museum discounts including senior, veteran, and Museums for All ($1 with WIC/SNAP/EBT) valid
FREE Parking provided in lot outside the museum
Join us to explore the past through hands on fossil exploration and activities led by museum paleontologists and educators. Bring a donation for Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach for a chance to win prizes.
Activities
- Invertebrates Incognito: Examine small invertebrate fossils embedded in the museum’s exterior infrastructure.
- Tools of the Trade: Explore examples of tools used in the field; decorate your own journal to use for the event.
- President Jefferson & His Fossils: Learn more about the beginnings of Vertebrate Paleontology in North America.
- Ashfall Fossil Beds: Connect virtually with UNSM staff to tour our Ashfall Fossil Beds location and learn more about this ancient watering hole.
- Old vs. New: Learn more about permineralization and how to spot the differences between modern bones and fossils.
- Flower by another name: Learn about paleobotany – studying ancient plants and plant fossils to reconstruct past environments.
- Additional activities coming soon.
Community Access Program Drive
UNSM is supporting Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach for the Fossil Day CAP Drive. Visitors can bring a donation and be entered into a drawing to win prizes. Winners will be drawn throughout the day, as well as grand prize winners drawn after the event concludes.
Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is a hunger relief and outreach center whose mission is to: serve the needs of Lincoln’s working poor and homeless by relieving hunger, overcoming homelessness, addressing addiction, and providing outreach and advocacy. That mission is carried out through four main areas of focus: the hunger relief program, housing programs, a CARE substance use team, and an outreach team that provides services (shower, laundry, identification documents, mail, etc.) on and off site.
Most needed items:
- Blankets (this is always a top priority-whether it's hot or cold) - These do not have to be new, just clean.
- Emergency Food Pantry items (especially canned meats, cereal and other prepackaged items that don't require any preparation like granola bars)
- Deodorant (men's and women's)
- Travel size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap
- Disposable Razors & Shaving Cream
- Gift cards for families to use (i.e. Target, Walmart, fast food restaurants)
- Backpacks - These do not have to be new, just clean.
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hand warmers/foot warmers
- Disposable moist wipes
- Sleeping bags - These do not have to be new, just clean.
- Tents - These do not have to be new, just clean.