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Get ready for an exciting adventure through time at our annual Dino Festival! Join us for this interactive family festival celebrating amazing giants from all major eras of prehistoric life. Virginia Museum of Natural History Associate Curator of Paleontology, Dr. Adam Pritchard will host a special presentation about Thomas Jefferson's giant ground sloth Megalonyx jeffersonii. Once thought to be a giant lion, the fossil was excavated from what was once the western frontier of Virginia. Dr. Pritchard will present the strange tale of this giant-clawed beast and real sloth fossils to showcase Jefferson's contribution to the natural sciences.    
Attendees will have the opportunity to view real Megalonyx fossils, a replica of the North American ground sloth and learn about Jefferson's passionate advocacy for exploration of America's natural history.
Families can enjoy dino-themed crafts, face painting, and more while expert paleontologists and educators will be on hand to share their knowledge and answer all your questions. The Dino Festival promises a fun and educational experience for everyone.
Don't miss this chance to step back in time and discover the fossil that sparked Jefferson's enduring curiosity about the ancient world.