FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Gillespie Museum?
The Gillespie Museum is a fascinating earth and environmental science museum offering students of all ages many educational opportunities. The geologic collection of fine minerals, rocks, and fossils is displayed throughout the building in museum cabinets as well as hands-on, interactive displays. The Museum also contains specially designed natural environments, including the mining and cave exhibit and the recently completed volcano exhibit.
Where is the Gillespie Museum?
The museum is located on the southeastern quadrant of Stetson University (intersection of Amelia Avenue and East Michigan Avenue), DeLand, FL.
click here for detailed directions & map
Q & A
Q: I am visiting the area with my family and would like to visit the museum. Do I need an appointment to visit?
A: If you are visiting during the normal school semester, you do not need an appointment. The Museum staff are available September through May, Tuesdays through Fridays, during normal operating hours and would be glad to assist you. There are a number of school groups that visit during this time as well so don't be surprised to see 30-60 students participating in the Museum's educational programs.
Q: I have a group of seniors who would like to tour the facility (10 or more). Do we have to call to let you know when we are coming?
A: Yes, due to the high demand for tours and the schedule of our student staff, it would be best to call and set up an appointment so that we can add your group to our calendar and ensure a staff member will be here to give you the tour.
Q: What type of programs do you offer?
A: There are a number of programs that the Museum currently offers, and we are working hard to include others. For public and private schools, we offer tours and educational learning stations. The programming for schools is geared toward the Florida Sunshine State Standards for each grade level. Large groups (80+) usually require two days. If you have time constraints, we will work with you to ensure your students are on the buses at the correct departure time. Home school programs are also available as well as Girl Scout and Boy Scout activities, making them eligible to receive one of their badges/patches/pins.
Q: My child has a rock collection and needs assistance identifying them. Can we bring them to the Museum?
A: We do assist with the identification of rocks and minerals. For children, it would be best to bring them during one of our Saturday Family Days. Others needing assistance will be asked to complete a description form and leave the specimens with us for 5-7 working days. We can identify up to five specimens at a time for a small fee of $5.00.
Q: What are some of the benefits of becoming a member of the Gillespie?
A: One of the most important benefits of becoming a member is the fact that you are enabling us to further our goals of providing our members with new and exciting exhibits, better events, and additional programs. In addition, you become a member of the national American Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) which provides you with discounts (and sometimes free admission) to over 270+ science museums throughout the world.
Please send us your questions and we will try to include them in this Q & A section.