The Sterling Hill Mining Museum
An enduring geological mystery. A world-famous mineral deposit. And, it’s all right here in New Jersey, just an hour’s drive from midtown New York!
The industrial complex that was once the Sterling Hill zinc mine is now open to the public as the Sterling Hill Mining Museum. Join us for underground mine tours, fantastic displays of "glow-in-the-dark" fluorescent minerals, extensive outdoor displays of mining machinery, and exhibit halls packed with things you've probably never seen before!
Teachers: We have a wide variety of educational opportunities for professional development and student activities — just click on the Education link to get started!
Dig In!
The Museum will be open January
- February weekends only, weather permitting.
We will reopen regularly March
2010. See
our hours and details.
Calendar of Events
August 14, 2010
Fossil Discovery Center
Where: Sterling Hill Mining Museum, Ogdensburg, NJ
Time: 10:00a.m.-12:30p.m. see below
Description: <p>SHMM will have a paleontologist available for young people (of all ages) to go fossil hunting. The Fossil Discovery Center is still in a pilot stage, but is based on SHMM’s successful Rock Discovery Center.</p>
<p>The “digs” will begin at 10:00 and <strong>take place every half hour</strong> thereafter; each dig will last a little less than 30 minutes. Participation is limited to 25 people per session on a first-come, first-serve bases. Each fossil collector will get 6 fossils with a general ID chart.</p>
<p>(Groups of 15 people or more can make an appointment at the Museum Shop to participate in the FDC for other weekends or weekdays, pending availability of SHMM personnel.) <strong>Note: 12:30 time slot not recommended for people taking the 1:00 PM mine tour.</strong> Other time slots available by appointment for groups of 10 or more.</p>
Fees: $4.50/person
Age Requirements: All Ages - recommended for students in grades 2 -12
Contact: 973-209-7212
August 29, 2010
Mineral collecting at Sterling Hill (daytime only)
Where: Sterling Hill
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Description: Collecting allowed on Mine Run dump and in the Fill quarry, Passaic pit, and "Saddle" area Open to the public.
Fees: $5 admission; plus $1.50 for each pound of material taken
Age Requirements: 7-years and up for Mine Run dump; 13 and up elsewhere
Contact: 973-209-7212
September 11, 2010
Fossil Discovery Center
Where: Sterling Hill Mining Museum, Ogdensburg, NJ
Time: 10:00a.m.-12:30p.m.
Description: <p>SHMM will have a paleontologist available for young people (of all ages) to go fossil hunting. The Fossil Discovery Center is still in a pilot stage, but is based on SHMM’s successful Rock Discovery Center. The “digs” will begin at 10:00 and <strong>take place every half hour</strong> thereafter; each dig will last a little less than 30 minutes.</p>
<p>Participation is limited to 25 people per session on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each fossil collector will get 6 fossils with a general ID chart.</p>
<p>(Groups of 15 people or more can make an appointment at the Museum Shop to participate in the FDC for other weekends or weekdays, pending availability of SHMM personnel.) <strong>Note: 12:30 time slot not recommended for people taking the 1:00 PM mine tour. </strong>Other time slots available by appointment for groups of 10 or more.</p>
Fees: $4.50/person
Age Requirements: All Ages - recommended for students in grades 2 -12
Contact: 973-209-7212
