Natural History Day … Rocks at South Carolina State Museum
May 29, 2019
Natural History Day is returning to the South Carolina State Museum with a day of minerals, geology, archeology, rocks and more, Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Guests will mine for gems, hear from gem experts and explore hands on activities throughout the day.
Natural History Day will feature special guests from the Columbia Gem and Mineral Society who will give a talk and showcase a variety of geodes and stone work at 10 a.m. The USC Geology Department and Haile Gold Mine from Kershaw, South Carolina, will give a talk about gold mining at 11 a.m.
Guests will also get a chance to start their own real gem collection by taking a turn at gem mining with Dirt Dauber Deb Mining. Mining sessions will take place every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
“We hope guests will experience the realm of natural history through a variety of interactions and demonstrations occurring throughout the day,” said Dave Cicimurri, curator of natural history at the State Museum.
Family fun geology themed education stations will also be open, featuring hands-on activities for guests to explore their inner geologists.
Natural History Day is free with museum general admission or membership. Guests can also experience National Parks Adventure, now showing in the museum’s planetarium. This immersive visual experience takes viewers soaring over red rock canyons, hurtling up craggy mountain peaks and into other-worldy realms found within America’s legendary outdoor playgrounds, including Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Yosemitie and Arches. National Parks Adventure is an additional charge.
About the South Carolina State Museum:
As the state’s largest and most comprehensive museum, the South Carolina State Museum offers a unique, entertaining and educational experience to visitors throughout its 225,000 square foot facility located in the heart of downtown Columbia’s Congaree Vista. The State Museum is housed in one of its largest artifacts, an 1894 old textile mill full of character and charm. Guests can explore outer space in one of the largest planetariums in the Southeast, watch an interactive 4D movie and look through a vintage telescope in a one-of-a-kind observatory. These opportunities are all in addition to the four floors of South Carolina art, cultural history, natural history and science/technology. Visit scmuseum.org to learn more.
