NY Rocks! Ancient Life of the Empire State

NY Rocks!: Ancient Life of the Empire State on display now through December 2023 at the Museum of the Earth.

This exhibit will offer an opportunity for the public to learn about New York's rich fossil record from the Devonian Period and the Paleontological Research Institution’s expansive collection. Visitors will explore why rocks and fossils look different traveling across the state from Albany to Buffalo and how geologists are able to tell how ancient environments changed over time and across the state. 

NY Rocks!: Ancient Life of the Empire State will introduce visitors to the ancient world and life of the Devonian Period, and show how the Earth’s history of 380 million years ago continues to impact our world today. Visitors will learn more about how Devonian rocks have been used for building stone, how Devonian bedrock affects wine production in the Finger Lakes, and how regional tourism relates to Earth history events. In addition, the exhibit will also introduce some of the people who have studied the Devonian of New York and how large “behind the scenes” museum collections are used to make sense of the Earth’s history.

The exhibit will tell many stories about geology and fossils through a combination of specimens, dioramas, videos, hands-on interactives, 3D models, and engaging activities for our younger audience.

NY Rocks!: Ancient Life of the Empire State is made possible with support from the Tompkins County Tourism Program, Tompkins Community Bank, Boundary Breaks Vineyard, Anthony Road Wine Company and Wagner Vineyards.