The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History proudly announces the opening of its exclusive in-house exhibit, Rocks: Earth's Majestic Building Blocksy. Highlighting the Stanley and Sharon Anderson Mineral Collection recently gifted to the Museum, the exhibit will also feature specimens from the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Texas A&M Department of Geology and Geophysics, artifacts from Watson Signs and Monuments, and other private lenders.

On Friday, June 6 at 6:30 pm, the public is invited to free opening festivities with an entertaining presentation. "For the Love of Minerals," by Stanley "Andy" Anderson, a retired professional geologist and collector. A reception with wine, appetizers, live music by the Scott Kunkle Quartet, and gallery viewing will follow.

Stanley Anderson holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Arts in Geology from Indiana University. He was a professional geologist for many years, working on subsurface structure maps, and excelled in petroleum exploration at an executive level. He served on Indiana University's Geology Advisory Board and was honored with a life membership. He also made significant contributions to the "Excellence in Geology'' project that raised more than a $5 million dollar endowment for the University. He and his wife, Sharon, collected minerals from around the world (many of which are now rare specimens) for 50 years, sharing their love of minerals with their three sons and their families. Stanley and Sharon have generously gifted their exquisite collection to the Museum, to be enjoyed by the public, and preserved for future generations.

Rocks form the canvas upon which all life on Earth exists. From the steep, river-carved cliffs of Arizona's Grand Canyon to the smooth, flowing lava of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, Earth's rocks display spectacular diversity. This exhibit also explores the different components and formation processes that result in variations in color, texture, and shape in rocks of Earth's surface. Visitors can learn about the mysteries of Earth's extraordinary rocks and minerals as they view colorful crystals, ancient stone tools, local fossils, and a magnificent array of rocks from around the world.

The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History is committed to promoting science, and cultural and natural history with the integration of art in exhibits and educational programs. This exhibit was made possible in part through Hotel Tax Revenue funded from the City of Bryan through Destination Bryan.

Dates: June 6 - October 25, 2025

Opening Reception: Friday, June 6, 2025 at 6:30 pm

Hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am-5 pm.

Location: Brazos Valley Museum Of Natural History, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, Texas 77802

Regular Museum Admission fees: adults $5; seniors/ students/children $4; members and children 3 and under are free.

For more information about this exhibit and other displays, events, programs and activities, please contact the Museum at 979-776-2195, visit them on the web at www.brazosvalleymuseum.org, or follow them on Facebook.

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