After much anticipation, the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum (EFM) opened its doors to the public on March 29. Visitors were transported back 66 million years in time to experience the life cycle of the dinosaurs. 

Built above a fossil quarry in Mantua, New Jersey, the EFM aims to be a “catalyst for good through the power of understanding the past,” according to the mission statement on their website.

“We wanted to create exploration and a journey for people who wanted to get involved, especially people who never got the chance before,” said Dr. Kenneth Lacovara, Ph.D, the founding executive director of the EFM. “This opportunity has given people the ability to open their minds about how vastly different the Earth used to be millions of years ago.”

Sitting at 44,000 square feet, the museum features various exhibits along with the Quarry Grounds Cafe, Darwin & Co. Store, and an exclusive virtual reality experience that has visitors on a mission to collect scientific samples before the asteroid that made the dinosaurs go extinct hits the Earth.

There is also much to see outside on the grounds of the EFM, including a dinosaur-themed playground and walking trails set alongside the lake that faces the backside of the property.

Chris Rogoff is an employee at the EFM and Rowan Alumni. He says working for the EFM is a rewarding experience and gives back to the community.

“Dinosaurs have always been something that kids loved to interact with, and there is no better place than a fossil museum,” Rogoff said. “It [EFM] was designed to inspire the next generation.

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