NPA at the Burke Museum’s Fossil Finders: It’s About Time!
The Northwest Paleontological Association (NPA) was thrilled to be part of the Burke Museum’s most recent Fossil Finders event, It’s About Time!—a Noon Year’s Eve celebration that brought together families, kids, and curious adults to explore Earth’s deep past in a fun, hands-on way.
Fossils on Display, Curiosity in Motion
You could find the NPA team stationed just outside the paleontology gallery on the 3rd floor, where our tables quickly became a hub of activity. Along with Judith, our ceratopsid dinosaur Spiclypeus shipporam cast, we had an incredible selection of fossils—generously provided courtesy of the Burke—we invited visitors to get up close with specimens that spanned vast stretches of geological time.
On display were eye‑catching and conversation‑starting pieces, including:
A striking fossil bison horn
A massive T. rex shoulder blade
Fascinating Gorgonopsid skulls
Classic trilobites, and other NPA member provided fossils that sparked questions, wonder, and excitement
From seasoned fossil enthusiasts to first‑time museum visitors, everyone found something to marvel at.
Engaging Hundreds of Future Paleontologists
Throughout the event, NPA volunteers engaged with hundreds of adults and kids, sharing stories about ancient life, answering questions, and helping visitors make meaningful connections to the fossils in front of them. One of the highlights of the day was giving away 50 3D‑printed amniotes, which were a huge hit with young fossil fans eager to take a piece of prehistory home with them.
Moments like these—seeing kids light up when they recognize a fossil or hearing thoughtful questions from curious adults—are exactly why NPA values opportunities like Fossil Finders.
Grateful and Excited for What’s Next
We’re grateful to the Burke Museum for the opportunity to be part of this engaging community event and for their leadership in public science education. Events like Fossil Finders align perfectly with NPA’s mission to connect people of all ages with the science of paleontology.
And the excitement doesn’t stop here!
Get Involved
Become an NPA Member
Support hands‑on learning, fossil outreach, and events like this by joining the Northwest Paleontological Association. Our next meeting will be January 25th - coinciding with the next Fossil Finders event.
Join NPA by becoming a member today
Join Us at the Next Fossil Finders Event
Come see us again at the Burke Museum’s next Fossil Finders event, Mesozoic Monsters, on January 25th. We’d love to explore the age of dinosaurs with you!
Learn more about the January 25th event
We can’t wait to dig into the past with you again soon!
