On August 22 from 10 am–5 pm, the Springfield Museums will host the Jurassic Roadshow, which brings the science, history, and art of the Connecticut River Valley’s dinosaur footprints and trace impressions to street fairs and other events in the region. The Roadshow’s appearance will also help to highlight the unique collections of dinosaur fossils housed in Dinosaur Hall at the Springfield Science Museum.

The day will include a variety of fun and educational activities for dinosaur fans of all ages, including additional fossils and interactive exhibits provided by the Roadshow, a fossil dig station, live dino-themed tunes by David Polansky, and appearances by Freda the Friendly Dinosaur. Paleontologist Dr. Patrick Getty will also be on hand to answer visitor questions. To celebrate the birthday of Dexter Marsh, born August 22, 1806, a free set of Dinosaur Footprint Trading Cards will be available to each family. In 1846, Marsh opened the first museum (an extra room in his Greenfield home) to display locally-discovered footprints. All activities listed above are free with Museum admission, which includes access to all four Springfield Museums. 

Since 2010, Jurassic Roadshow has appeared in towns throughout the Pioneer Valley that have a connection to the tracks' discovery in the early 19th century. The group also hosts an informative website that includes guides for looking at tracks in our region as well as links to great activities for kids and students. Jurassic Roadshow is a project of Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association (Deerfield), funded in part by a John and Abigail Adams Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and with the welcome support of the Pioneer Valley Institute.