Fossil Education at Stratford Hall
Come to Stratford Hall to unearth stories about primeval seas and prehistoric creatures that lived long before the dawn of man.
Learn about Virginia Fossils and Hunt for Shark Teeth
Stratford Hall is known for its abundance of shark teeth and other marine life fossils. Dating from the middle Miocene Epoch – approximately 16 to 6 million years ago – the cliffs at Stratford Hall Historic Preserve are part of a rare geological phenomenon ranking among the most important fossil research sites in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Learn about this unique period of Stratford Hall’s history as we explore how the cliffs were formed, how fossils are made, and what they can tell us about the Earth’s history.
Important – Please note that due to low temperatures fossil field trips are not scheduled after October 31st or before April 1st.
Fossil Trips for Elementary School Groups
A 2.5 hour program that includes:
- A 30-minute introduction to paleontology and fossils
- 2 hours of shark tooth hunting within the barriers of Stratford Hall’s beach
Elementary School Rates
Student rates $8.00 per student
School faculty rates Free
Chaperone rates $10.00 per person
Fossil Trips for Middle School, High School, and College Groups
(maximum of 40 participants per trip)
A 3.5 hour program that includes:
- A 30-minute overview of paleontology and fossils*
- 3 hours of shark tooth hunting within and beyond the barriers of Stratford Hall’s beach
*Paleontology overview may be omitted at the field trip coordinator’s request.
Please note that special releases must be signed by all students (guardians if under the age of 18), teachers, and chaperones in order to have access beyond the barriers, and groups are required to attend a brief safety talk.
Middle School, High School, and College Rates
Student rates $20.00 per student
School faculty rates Free
Chaperone rates $25.00 per person
For more information contact: Kelly Childress, Director of Education