National Fossil Day: Where to see fossils in western Massachusetts

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Wednesday’s National Fossil Day, which promotes the scientific and educational value fossils present to us every day.

This day occurs annually on Wednesday of the second full week in October, according to the National Day Calendar . Paleontologists all around the world seek and identify the remnants of animals, insects, and plant life that once lived and grew here on the earth. It has been discovered that some of these creatures lived hundreds, thousands, and millions of years ago.

Fossils leave a record that provides clues to the Earth’s history. Paleontologists classify, name, and organize fossils based on their characteristics. The scientist who makes the fossil discovery also earns the naming rights, and typically the names are entirely scientific, using Latin or Greek roots.

If you are interested in seeing some fossils up close, Yelp has created a list of the top places to see fossils in western Massachusetts:

1. The Rock, Fossil, & Dinosaur Shop – 213 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield.
2. Springfield Science Museums – 21 Edwards Street, Springfield.
3. Mead Art Museum – 41 Quadrangle Drive, Amherst.
4. Amelia Park Children’s Museum – 29 S Broad Street, Westfield.
5. Dinosaur Footprints – 1099 US-5, Holyoke
6. Beneski Museum of Natural History – 11 Barrett Hill Road, Amherst

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