Families invited to paleontology event Oct. 22 at Morrill Hall

In celebration of National Fossil Day, the University of Nebraska State Museum invites children and families to a special paleontology themed night at Morrill Hall, 14th and Vine streets, on Oct. 22.

The event, from 5 to 8 p.m., will feature activities that "dig" into the work of paleontology. Visitors will learn what a fossil is, have the opportunity to dig and sort for fossils like paleontologists, and go on a special fossil scavenger hunt in Morrill Hall. Special guests from Nebraska paleontological sites Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument with South Dakota’s Mammoth Site will also be part of the event. Mueller Planetarium will present a special fulldome showing of National Geographic's "Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure" at 6 and 7 p.m.

The State Museum's collection of vertebrate fossils is internationally recognized as a resource for understanding our prehistoric past, as well as some of today's most important scientific concerns, such as climate change. More than 1 million rare and irreplaceable specimens have been added to the collection since 1891, when director Erwin H. Barbour made his first fossil expedition to the Badlands of Nebraska and South Dakota. The division continues to make new discoveries in Nebraska, nearby states and other parts of the world. Modern field and laboratory techniques are used in the collection and preparation of fossils, and cutting-edge methods are used in their study.

National Fossil Day, Oct. 14, is a celebration organized by the National Park Service to promote public awareness and stewardship of fossils, as well as to foster a greater appreciation of their scientific and educational values.

Established in 1871, the University of Nebraska State Museum is the state's premier museum of natural history. The museum is focused on promoting discovery in natural science, fostering scientific understanding and interpretation of the Earth’s past, present and future, and enhancing stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage of Nebraska through world-class exhibits, collections and special events. For more information, go to www.museum.unl.edu.