National Fossil Day
About National Fossil Day
National Fossil Day comes during Earth Sciences Week. This holiday is a very special day. It is not a day for us old fossils among the general population. Rather, it is a day to learn about and preserve rocks that contain the remains of ancient life on earth. Comprised of animals and plants, they are a record of what life existed on the planet. Carbon dating identifies when these animals and plants lived. Fossilized rocks are found all over the planet. Perhaps fossilized plants and animals are buried in your backyard, or a creek bed near your home. Paleontology is the study of fossilized rocks. If you choose paleontology as a career, you are a Paleontologist.
In 2010, the U.S. National Park Service created the first National Fossil Day. According to their website, this day is “a celebration organized by the National Park Service to promote public awareness and stewardship of fossils, as well as to foster a greater appreciation of their scientific and educational values.”
Did You Know? The oldest fossils are bacteria.
We hope you shake your bones and have a happy and educational National Fossil Day
Future Dates of National Fossil Day and Earth Sciences Week
The dates for these holidays vary each year. Earth Sciences week is always the second full week in October. Consequently, National Fossil Day is The Wednesday of Earth Sciences Week.
For 2026:
Earth Science Week: October 11-17, 2026
National Fossil Day is October 14.
For 2027:
Earth Science Week: October 10-16, 2027
National Fossil Day is October 13.
For 2028:
Earth Science Week: October 8-14, 2028
National Fossil Day is October 11.
For 2029:
Earth Science Week: October 14-20, 2029
National Fossil Day is October 17.
For 2030:
Earth Science Week: October 13-19, 2030
National Fossil Day is October 16.
For 2031:
Earth Science Week: October 12-18, 2031
National Fossil Day is October 15.
For 2032:
Earth Science Week: October 10-16, 2032
National Fossil Day is October 13.
How to Celebrate National Fossil Day
There are many ways to participate during this very special day.
- Of course, museums, schools, and other organizations can use the theme to hold educational programs for the general public.
- Parks around the country with known fossil beds can also hold educational programs, along with tours of fossil beds.
- As individuals, we can participate in these programs and tours.
- Pursue a career in Paleontology.
Today's Quote
“If you can’t tolerate critics, don’t do anything new or interesting.” – – Jeff Bezos
History and Origin of National Fossil Day
In 2010, the U.S. National Park Service created this holiday. It is a day to study the science of paleontology. They established the date for this holiday on the Wednesday of Earth Sciences Week. This week has existed since 1997.
This relatively new, yet important special day, is a “National” day. Despite our extensive research, we found no congressional or presidential proclamation making this day a true national day. However, an official Department of the United States created it. Therefore, it is a true and official “national day.
Definition of “National” Days – Discover why it is so important to distinguish and identify true national days.
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous October Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Recipe of the Day: Pumpkin Cheesecake
Also See: Pumpkin Recipes Galore and Holiday Recipes and Halloween Recipes
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Holiday Insights, where every day in October is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Therefore, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Moreover, in addition to National Fossil Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. October holidays are no exception. Consequently., at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.