The Gillespie Museum

Dig into Florida Fossils with DeLand's own Fossil Hunters

Explore Florida geology and paleontology with the cast of the Fossil Hunters television series. Coming Spring 2019 for a Science Café on February 7 and a Science Saturday on February 9.

Florida Calcite: Rare Specimens of a Common Mineral, February 21 - May 3

This Spring 2019 exhibit features a sample of some of Florida's most striking and rare calcite specimens from the personal collection of Tom Scott, Ph.D., Emeritus Geologist, Florida Geological Survey.  The display provides a unique opportunity to view uncommon specimens of our state’s unofficial mineral, calcite. Dr. Scott has collected from quarries, underwater caves, and limestone seams during his four decades as a professional geologist. From cave pearls to crystal-filled fossils, these natural formations offer a rare perspective on the state’s geologic history.  On Thursday, February 21, join three of the state’s renowned geologists, including Dr. Scott, for a Science Cafe to celebrate the official exhibit opening.  The trio will discuss Florida calcite and the geological processes behind our most common, and most beautiful mineral, as well as their decades of collecting and research.

Happy Birthday to the Gillespie!

Florida Formations, a new exhibit on Florida geology

Florida Formations tells the geologic history of the state through its distinctive rock units, an array of ocean-formed carbonate formations, each with a story to tell us about past Florida environments and past climates.

Storied Stone

This small exhibit was inspired by Nicholas Pearson’s The Seven Archetypal Stones, which explores some of the lessons—geological, historic, cultural and spiritual—of the mineral world. Our small display and a guided walk through the museum’s collections tell a few stories about these seven captivating stones.

Museum Hours

• Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• The museum is occasionally open weekday evenings for special events and programs.

• Saturday: Open once a month for Science Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon.

The museum will be closed during 2018-19 academic holidays, including Fall Break (October 4-5); Thanksgiving Weekend (November 21-23); Winter Break (December 15-January 14); and Spring Holidays (March 4-8). Staff may be reached by email (gillespiemuseum@stetson.edu) or phone, 386-822-7330.

Admissions

Walk-in Visitors

• No admissions fee. Donations support educational programming.

Educational Programs (Classes K-12, scouts, homeschool groups, etc.)

• Students: $2.50
• Teachers/Chaperones: No charge