Upcoming events
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02.14.2026 10:30 am - 02.14.2026 11:45 amJoin geologist Sara Kurth for a hands-on rock and mineral identification class. Learn to classify minerals using observation and hardness testing. Perfect for curious rock-hounds or scouts working on Earth Science badges, this class will deepen your understanding of earth science and teach you to identify rocks and minerals like a pro!
Class – 10:30 a.m – 75 minutes
Ages 8 yrs. and up
$10 per person – Museum Members Free
Reservations Required – Register here -
02.14.2026 1:30 pm - 02.14.2026 2:15 pmUnleash your creativity in this fun, hands-on jewelry-making workshop! Design your own unique gemstone creations—including a necklace, a keychain, and a pin. All materials are provided. Afterward, explore the Museum and enjoy a fun scavenger hunt. This workshop is the perfect way to delve into the world of stone jewelry.
Activity – 1:30 p.m – 45 minutes
Ages 8 yrs. and up
$15 per person
Museum Members receive 10%
Discount with code
Reservations Required – Register here -
02.21.2026 2:00 pm - 02.21.2026 3:00 pmEarly man saw flashes of light when chipping rocks for tools. Some even may have observed earthquake light. Others noticed a bluish-green light glowing from heated rocks. You will see and learn why certain rocks and minerals produce light by pounding, heating, or other means. Why do different samples of the same mineral emit different colors of light? Why does some emitted light seem to linger while some seem to stop immediately when the energy source is turned off? Is time the only difference between fluorescence and phosphorescence? Find out more in this glowing presentation by Bill Mikuska!
Lecture – 2:00 p.m. – 60 minutes
Students and Adults
Regular Museum Admission
Museum Members FreeReservations Recommended
Sign up here -
02.28.2026 1:00 pm - 02.28.2026 3:00 pmCurious about the craft of cutting and polishing stones? Join the West Suburban Lapidary Club (WSLC) for monthly meetings at the Museum, where you'll explore the fascinating world of lapidary art! Each session includes presentations and expert guidance on transforming rough stones into polished masterpieces. Sign up for the Museum’s digital newsletter for details on upcoming programs.
Club Meeting 1 p.m.
Program @ 2 p.m. – 60 minute
Teens to Adults Welcome
Regular Museum Admission
WSLC & Museum Members Free
Register here -
03.07.2026 10:00 am - 03.07.2026 4:00 pmGet ready for a fossil-filled adventure! Drop in and explore real fossils up close, build awesome 3-D dinosaur puzzles, and even make your very own fossil imprint to take home! Play “Say BONES,” a fossil-themed twist on classic Bingo. Plus, meet Mary Anning— the first female fossilist—who will bring history to life with fascinating stories about her groundbreaking discoveries. It’s a day of hands-on fun and ancient wonders you won’t want to miss!
On-going activities – All Ages Welcome
"Say Bones" Bingo – 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – Register here
Mary Anning Visits – 2:00 p.m. – 45 minutes
$5.00 per Child, Adults & Seniors Regular Museum Admission
Museum Members Free
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03.21.2026 2:00 pm - 03.21.2026 3:00 pmEmbark on an exciting journey following the transformation of rocks and minerals into dazzling gemstones! This new quarterly series lets participants travel alongside a material’s formation in the earth, through the mining and production processes, and showcases how rough stones are formed, extracted, and transformed into sparkling gems. With real samples to examine and expert demonstrations, this program offers a fascinating look at the life cycle of a gem, highlighting the process that turns a simple rock into a stunning piece of nature’s art.
The first program will focus on Jade.Lecture – 2:00 p.m. – 60 minutes
Students and Adults
Regular Museum Admission
Museum Members FreeReservations Recommended
Sign up here -
03.22.2026 2:00 pm - 03.22.2026 3:00 pmJoin us for this very special Community Music Program on March 9th at 2 PM with David Polk. David, a renowned Chicago-born saxophonist, first appeared with the jazz fusion group Juggular in 1979 and has been crafting and performing original music since . He has been the solo tenor saxophonist with the renowned Orchestra 33 for over 30 years and David's 25-year solo career includes 6 recorded albums. Known for his world-class musicianship and passion for melody, David continues to captivate audiences with his soulful sound. Check out the David Polk Project on YouTube for more!
Performance – 2:00 p.m. – 60 minutes – Ages 10 years and Up
$20 per person – Museum Members $5
Limited Capacity - Register here -
03.28.2026 1:00 pm - 03.28.2026 3:00 pm
Curious about the craft of cutting and polishing stones? Join the West Suburban Lapidary Club (WSLC) for monthly meetings at the Museum, where you'll explore the fascinating world of lapidary art! Each session includes presentations and expert guidance on transforming rough stones into polished masterpieces. Sign up for the Museum’s digital newsletter for details on upcoming programs.
Club Meeting 1 p.m.
Program @ 2 p.m. – 60 minute
Teens to Adults Welcome
Regular Museum Admission
WSLC & Museum Members Free
Register here
