In a state steeped in rich historical significance, a groundbreaking museum and fossil park is set to open its doors, offering an immersive journey through Earth's vast history. Situated in an unexpected location, nestled behind a nondescript suburban shopping center and adjacent to a major highway, this museum aims to educate visitors about the planet's past and humanity's place within it. The museum will officially welcome the public on March 29, promising a captivating experience that marries education with environmental consciousness.
The museum finds its home in a state known for pivotal moments in American history, from the rich heritage of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape tribe to George Washington's iconic crossing of the Delaware River. This latest addition to the state's storied past is situated in a former quarry pit, a 65-acre site that has yielded some 100,000 fossils from more than 100 species dating back to the twilight of the dinosaur era. These fossils, first uncovered in 1838 about 15 miles away in Haddonfield, have been part of significant paleontological finds over the years. It was John Estaugh Hopkins who initially displayed them at his home, and later, in 1858, William Parker Foulke conducted a more thorough dig that unearthed even more bones.
Kenneth Lacovara, the museum's founder, emphasizes the museum's unique approach to storytelling and sustainability. He highlights their mission with profound simplicity:
"Our secret weapons are awe and wonder" – Kenneth Lacovara
Visitors are invited to embark on a journey through time with a film that presents Earth's history as a 1,000-page book, where humans appear only in the last sentence. This perspective is further enriched by a virtual reality room that transports guests to the Cretaceous Period, offering an immersive experience of life among the dinosaurs. The museum also boasts a collection of intricately crafted dinosaur models by renowned paleosculptor Gary Staab. These exhibits showcase the fierce struggle for survival that defined these prehistoric giants.
However, this is not merely a traditional dinosaur museum. Its architecture is designed with sustainability at its core, incorporating geothermal climate control systems and features that maximize natural sunlight. It stands as one of the state's largest carbon-zero buildings:
"No fossil fuels in the fossil park" – Kenneth Lacovara
The museum's commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond its walls. It features a Hall of Extinction and Hope, offering insights into current global challenges while empowering visitors with actionable steps to protect the planet.
The museum's educational outreach extends to its outdoor fossil park, where visitors can personally engage with history by unearthing fossils themselves. As Lacovara notes:
"Anyone can dig and take home a 66-million-year-old fossil of their own" – Kenneth Lacovara
This hands-on experience fosters an emotional connection to Earth's past, reinforcing Lacovara's belief that:
"People love what they know, and they will protect what they love" – Kenneth Lacovara
Inside, visitors can find a unique gift shop featuring an alcove dedicated to Charles Darwin. This area includes child-friendly cubbies and walls adorned with photos of Darwin's home in Downe, England, adding an additional layer of historical context.
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