By Stephen Appezzato
LINCROFT – The Monmouth Museum is showcasing Jurassic giants this year with its latest exhibit, “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed.” Beginning Sept. 7, the exhibit offers a blend of education and hands-on exploration as it transports visitors to the prehistoric age.
“It’s been a long time since we had anything like this,” said Erika Schaefer, executive director of the museum, which is located on Brookdale Community College’s campus.
“It is a chance for our community to come face-to-face with life-sized dinosaur skeletons, marvel at stunningly detailed fossil replicas and embark on an educational journey,” she said.
Running through Jan. 2, “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed” brings to life six of the most iconic dinosaurs, like a towering T-rex and a velociraptor. The exhibit also features dinosaur eggs, footprints, fossils and more.
When visitors enter the Main Gallery, they are greeted by a full-size triceratops model.
“The structure is breathtaking,” Schaefer said. “It’s such an exciting opportunity to stand next to what would have been this magnificent creature. The size of it is something you can’t even wrap your head around when you see it in a book or a drawing. Seeing it full scale, it has a presence that sets the tone for the whole exhibit,” she said.
But the exhibit isn’t just about looking – it’s about learning and doing, too. Educational stations are set up throughout the exhibit, allowing visitors of all ages to dive deep into the world of paleontology. Two interactive dig sites allow aspiring paleontologists to get their hands dirty. Buried models in the stations offer visitors the chance to make their own discoveries.
“It’s a lot of fun for all ages,” Schaefer said. The hands-on experience is designed to replicate the work of real paleontologists, giving a glimpse into the world of fossil hunting and excavation.
In addition to the main exhibit, the Monmouth Museum has planned a series of events and activities to complement “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed,” like guided tours and workshops.
“We’ve already had budding paleontologists visiting us, and when we came across the opportunity to bring this traveling exhibit here, it was amazing. The timing just worked out perfectly,” Schaefer said.
The excitement sur- rounding the exhibit extends beyond the museum’s walls. Two fossil hunting events will take place this fall at Ramanessin Brook in Holmdel. Local fossil expert Marc Rogoff will guide the Sept. 15 and Oct. 12 hunts. Participants will search for real fossils and then reconvene at the museum to review their findings.
“That’s a lot of fun, too, for all ages. I have so much fun when I go on the fossil digs,” Schaefer said.
“Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed” is open to the public Tuesdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $14 for guests ages 2 to 64, with free entry for children under 2.
The exhibit is brought to the Monmouth Museum by the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, Arkansas, and offers visitors a chance to step into the shoes of paleontologists and explore the ancient past. Whether you’re a seasoned dinosaur enthusiast or simply curious, this exhibit offers a unique glimpse into the creatures that once roamed the earth.
For more information about the exhibit and upcoming events, visit monmouthmuseum.org.
The article originally appeared in the September 5 – September 11, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
