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Week Culminates with Two-Day Rock and Fossil Fun Fair

During February break, families are invited to escape the cold weather and explore the New York State Museum’s lineup of free, educational, hands-on programs. Throughout the week, Museum educators, historians, and scientists will lead dynamic activities designed to entertain, engage, and inspire visitors of all ages. Events lead up to the Museum’s popular two-day Rock and Fossil Fun Fair, held this year on February 21 and 22.  

Jennifer Saunders, Museum Director, said, “February break gives families the chance to learn together through hands-on experiences that are both educational and fun. It’s one of our busiest weeks of the year and a great time to explore the Museum. Having come into my role in September, I am particularly excited for my first Rock and Fossil Fun Fair! Our team has been hard at work creating opportunities that are sure to spark curiosity.”

Lunar New Year Celebration: Storytime, Tour, and Craft at the Museum
Dates: Sunday, February 15 and Tuesday, February 17
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: New York Metropolis Hall

Explore the historic Tuck High Co., learn about its rich history, and discover how three generations of the Lee family served their community. Plus, get creative with festive crafts as we welcome the Year of the Horse! Bring the whole family for a fun, hands-on experience of culture, history, and celebration.

Dinosaur Train Adventure: Ice Age Exploration!
Date: Wednesday, February 18
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: South Lobby

All aboard the Dinosaur Train for a frosty adventure! Join us for a fun-filled day with WMHT and the New York State Museum as we dive into the Ice Age, following Mr. Conductor’s journey to find a Mastodon in the Cenozoic. Explore our real Mastodon fossil, discover Ice Age animals, and get creative with a cool Mastodon craft!

Rhythms of the Diaspora: Drumming and Dance with Jordan Taylor Hill
Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Adirondack Hall

Jordan Taylor Hill leads a dynamic exploration of rhythm, movement, and cultural memory across the African Diaspora. The program opens with a powerful performance featuring traditional and contemporary rhythms from West Africa, Cuba, and the Black American tradition. Guests are then invited into an interactive workshop where Jordan guides them through rhythms and movement vocabulary that illuminate how these practices carry history, identity, and community.  

Archive Adventures: Discover New York’s Hidden Stories
Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Discovery Place

Join experts from the New York State Archives to learn more about the remarkable history of Dorothy Franklin and Patricia Banks, two pioneering women who challenged racial barriers in aviation. Each Thursday, an archivist will be on hand to share stories, answer questions, and highlight carefully chosen original documents and photographs.

Rock and Fossil Fun Fair
Date: Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: All Museum Galleries

Mine for minerals, forage for fossils, experiment with a river replica, and more at the New York State Museum’s largest event of the year! With 15 hands-on activity stations created by Museum experts and prizes to take home, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to have fun with science. Be sure to bring your rocks and fossils from home for identification.  
Download photos from the 2025 Rock and Fossil Fun Fair.

A full list of programs can be found on the New York State Museum’s website.

About the New York State Museum

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum is the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Home to leading scientists, historians, archeologists, and anthropologists, its collections represent the State’s rich cultural and natural heritage from the past and present, including a staggering 20+ million artifacts spanning 1.1 billion years ago to today. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the New York State Museum website and subscribe to our newsletter.