Please note that the W.G.Burroughs Geology Museum is in a transitionary phase as the collection is relocated to the new Margaret A. Cargill Health and Sciences building. It is currently closed to the public until this work can be completed.

The W. G. Burroughs Geology Museum contains over 2,200 catalogued specimens in the museum inventory. These specimens are arranged into displays of minerals, rocks, gemstones, fossils, and artifacts. To add to the learning experience of visiting the museum, each display has a detailed explanation written out for each sampling.

These displays are designed to explain the importance of oil, coal, iron, gemstones, etc. in the modern world. Included are full-sized dinosaur heads, that are replicas of those in the American museum of Natural History. Also, there are displays of local interests, such as spelunking and mining displays.

Featured in the museum is a large millerite and Kentucky agate collection donated by Kirtley Settles, which is described in Rock and Mineral Magazine as one of the finest in the country. The agate is exceptional for its beauty and color. In addition, a collection containing fluorite, calcite, dolomite, and sphalerite is the largest and best in the state. A geode weighing over 200 pounds is displayed in such a fashion that it can be touched. One can also see a collection of very large calcite and quartz specimens.

Gemstone collection includes copies of the most famous diamonds in the world. Beautiful corals are cut and displayed to show their internal parts. And, last but not least, a large collection of fossils, artifacts, and rocks can also be seen at the museum.

To give you a taste of what you will find when you visit the museum, we’ve put together a little virtual tour.

The W. G. Burroughs Geology Museum is free to the public. Additional information can be obtained by emailing Suzanne Birner at birners@berea.edu.