No matter the creature, great or small, everything in nature has a way of protecting itself. From the claws of a kitten to the pricks of a pufferfish, these built-in protectors have been an essential component of the survival of a diverse array of species. As the world continues to evolve, in its path rests many extinct species no longer populating our globe. Although these species are no longer with us, however, that does not mean there isn’t plenty to learn from what they’ve left behind. To uncover many of the mysteries and insights these creatures have left behind, the New Jersey State Museum invites you to dig deeper in their latest educational offering.
On January 5th-January 6th, you are invited to join the New Jersey State Museum for the first installment of an all-new educational talk, “Extinct Animal Defenses”. This insightful, hands-on demonstration will be held at 12pm on the first and last Fridays of the month, as well as on the first Saturday of every month. The talks will be held at the New Jersey State Museum campus, located at 205 W State St, Trenton, NJ 08608. The backdrop for this afternoon of discovery will be the NJSM’s “Written in the Rocks” exhibit, which offers visitors a one of a kind glimpse at the fossils and creatures left behind in our ever-evolving world.
Throughout the afternoon, guests will be taken on a docent-led tour through the “Written in the Rocks” exhibit to highlight the defense mechanisms of various extinct species. Through the examination of this prehistoric species, you will also have the opportunity to learn how this mechanisms relate to wildlife today. In the exhibit, guests will have a chance to view some of the region’s oldest fossils, including the Dryptosaurus, the world’s first known carnivorous dinosaur. With over 3.5 billion years in the books, this display offers viewers a chance to get to know the various fish, mammals, birds, and more that have at one point called the Garden State their home.
Your host for the afternoon, the New Jersey State Museum, is a destination for discovery in the Capital City. From fascinating fossils to the stars above, there is no shortage of wonders to explore at the NJSM. In addition to this upcoming program, the NJSM also offers a number of Planetarium shows, children’s programming, educational lectures, and more to help bring their exhibits to life. For more information and this and other upcoming events at the museum, please visit the NJSM website, linked here: NJSM – Home.
If you have any questions prior to the upcoming events, please contact the New Jersey State Museum at (609) 292-6464 for additional assistance. It’s set in stone that this talk will be one to remember, so be sure to mark your calendars for this afternoon of fossils and fun.
