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National Fossil Day Tour at the Statehouse
Explore Ancient Ohio on Oct. 16
September 26, 2024
 
Fossil Tour for Earth Science Week 2024
(Columbus, OH)—The Ohio Statehouse will celebrate National Fossil Day, Oct. 16, 2024, by offering a FREE fossil tour on Capitol Square. The special tour will take place Wednesday, Oct. 16 from noon until 1:30 p.m. Expert geologists will explore the limestone walls, stairs and columns that support the Ohio Statehouse. This fossil tour is a unique opportunity for anyone fascinated by geology and natural history.

The tour will start in the Worthington Center, located on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse. The tour will be conducted by Dale M. Gnidovic, Curator of the OSU Orton Geological Museum and Mark Peter, Paleontologist at ODNR Division of Geological Survey.

While the event is free and public, participants are asked to RSVP to tours@ohiostatehouse.org by Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Each visitor will receive a free copy of the booklet, Statehouse Fossils: A Guide to Fossils of the Ohio Capitol, by Mark E. Peter.

National Fossil Day is an annual celebration of geology. It occurs during Earth Science Week, which is Oct. 13-19 this year. These celebrations encourage young people to explore careers in earth science and engage everyone in the importance of our resources and environment.

This tour is one of many activities during Earth Science Week in Ohio. The website for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources lists more fun activities and events for families and friends. https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-odnr/geologic-survey/educational-resources/earth-science-week-ohio.

The Statehouse Museum Shop has gemstones, fossils, and fossil related items available for purchase. They will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Photos are available on the Ohio Statehouse website. http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/galleries/geology-fossil-tour

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