Upcoming events
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07.12.2025 2:00 pm - 07.12.2025 3:15 pmDid you know that ordinary looking rocks can hide dazzling crystal worlds inside? Geodes are nature’s hidden treasures – spherical, hollow wonders lined with sparkling crystals! Join us as we explore the fascinating theories behind how geodes form and discover where these natural marvels are found around the world. After the presentation, you’ll get to crack open your very own geode and uncover the mystery within! Bring your own rock hammer and an old sock to collect the pieces. Each participant gets two crack open geodes.
Lecture/Activity – 2:00 p.m. – 75-minutes
Ages 7 and up
Fee: $10 per Person
Museum Members $5
Reservations Required
Register here -
07.19.2025 2:00 pm - 07.19.2025 3:00 pmMany great stone carvers begin with soap. Join Jyl Bonguro, Italian marble carver from Chicago, for this hands-on workshop. Jyl will introduce the basics of carving using soap a soft, accessible material. Learn essential techniques, practice tool control, and start developing the skills used by professional sculptors—all while creating your own mini masterpieces.
2:00 p.m. – 60-minutes – Ages 8 and up
Fee: $25.00 per Person – Museum Members 10% off
Limited Capacity – Reservations Required
Register at here -
08.08.2025 9:00 am - 08.08.2025 3:30 pmThe Museum is partnering with SCARCE of Addison for a unique geoheritage tour exploring how water shapes and sustains our local environment! Discover how the Elmhurst quarries stores stormwater to prevent flooding, learn about the DuPage Water Commission's vital role in treating and distributing clean water, and explore how Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve protects the Salt Creek watershed. This engaging trip blends science, history, and environmental stewardship. Perfect for nature lovers, students, and anyone curious about our community’s connection to water!
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a collecting trip.Field Trip – 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Ages 8 years and older
Fee: $65 per Person – Museum Members 10% off
Registration Required
Register here -
08.16.2025 1:00 pm - 08.16.2025 2:30 pmGemstones have dazzled humanity for centuries, symbolizing wealth, status, and personal expression. But what gives them their allure? Discover the science of gemology - the scientific journey into origins, properties, and mysteries of these natural treasures. Join Dr. Cigdem Lule for an introduction to the tools, techniques, and scientific scope of gemology. With strong interest, a series of in-depth workshops will be offered this winter, providing participants with practical experience using professional gemological equipment.
Lecture/Activity – 1:00 p.m. – 90 minutes
Students and Adults
Regular Museum Admission
Museum Members FreeReservations Recommended
Sign up here -
08.23.2025 10:00 am - 08.23.2025 3:00 pmVolcanoes in Illinois?! Not recently, but come make your own volcanic eruption, watch a trash can volcano, and see the microscopic components of what makes up volcanic ash. Museum scientists will discuss eruption types and styles, as well as the benefits and hazards associated with volcanoes.
At 2 p.m. geologist Sara Kurth will present “Minerals of MinecraftÔ: An Exploration of Obsidian.” A vital piece in the world of MinecraftÔ, obsidian is formed through volcanic processes. Sara will discuss how obsidian forms, the variations of obsidian, and maybe dispel some myths surrounding this interesting rock. (*Not approved by or associated with Mojang)Drop-in Activities – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Lecture – 2:00 p.m. – 45 minutes
All Ages Welcome – $5 per child
Adults Regular Museum Admission
Museum Members Free
Reservations Recommended
Sign up at here -
09.13.2025 2:00 pm - 09.13.2025 3:00 pmPaleontologists have identified five major extinction episodes in the fossil record, where over 75% of species went extinct. This has led to the modern biodiversity crisis being called the Sixth Extinction. It is extremely difficult, however, to compare the data used to measure extinctions in the geological past with that used to measure current extinctions. Join us as Dr. Roy Plotnick, author and professor emeritus of paleontology at University of Illinois, explores the hypothetical future fossil record and what it may look like.
Lecture – 2:00 p.m. – 60 minutes
Students and Adults
Regular Museum Admission
Museum Members Free
Reservations Recommended
Sign up here -
09.20.2025 10:30 am - 09.20.2025 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 -
09.20.2025 1:30 pm - 09.20.2025 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 -
09.27.2025 1:00 pm - 09.27.2025 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
