Discover the Past. Protect the future.

Edelman Building Exterior

The EFM Mission

Our mission is to be a catalyst for good through the power of understanding the past. We deliver this through first-hand discovery of fossils and an immersive experience in the epic, real story of the dinosaurs. We bring awe and wonder to inspire action for a better world. Using the past, we put the present into perspective and give all people tools to create future actions for good. Whether it’s the pure joy of digging and exploring for exciting possibilities or an awakening of a growing realization about our place in time and how great the gift of life is, we aim to be a remembered, loved, and inspirational agent for good.

dinosaur egg cracking

Meet Dr. Kenneth Lacovara

Dr. Kenneth Lacovara has unearthed some of the largest dinosaurs ever to walk the earth, including the massive 65-ton Dreadnoughtus, which appeared in the film Jurassic World: Dominion. He is a recipient of The Explorers Club Medal, the highest honor in exploration, previously awarded to pioneers such as Sir Edmund Hillary, Jane Goodall, and Neil Armstrong. His TED talk has been viewed by over five million people, and his book, Why Dinosaurs Matter, published by Simon & Schuster, is a winner of the Nautilus Book Prize. Lacovara’s discoveries have landed him three times in Discover magazine’s 100 Top Science Stories of the Year, and he has appeared in over 20 television documentaries. He is founding former dean of the School of Earth & Environment at Rowan University, and is the founding executive director of the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum.

Dr. Kenneth Lacovara Founding Executive Director

Rowan University

Founded 1923

A top 100 national public research institution, Rowan University serves more than 22,000 students with undergraduate, doctoral and professional programs in person and online. Carnegie-classified R2 (high research activity), with eight colleges and nine schools, Rowan focuses on practical research at the intersection of health care, engineering, science and business. One of two public universities in the nation to offer M.D. and D.O. degree programs, Rowan will open New Jersey’s first veterinary medical school in 2025.

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Meet Jean & Ric Edelman

The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University was made possible by a generous $25 million donation from alumni Jean & Ric Edelman. Their gift launched the creation of a premier destination for scientific exploration and immersive education. With a profound commitment to advancing education through their philanthropy, Jean and Ric have lent their support to various programs at Rowan University, including the Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts and the Edelman Planetarium. Jean ’81 holds the distinction of being the first woman elected president of Rowan University’s Student Government Association, while Ric ’80 served as president of the sophomore class and later as SGA executive vice president. Following their graduation and marriage, they went on to establish the nation's largest independent financial planning and investment management firm.

Jean & Ric Edelman, supporters of the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

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ENNEAD ARCHITECTS | DESIGN ARCHITECT

Renowned for its innovative cultural, educational, scientific, commercial, and civic building designs that authentically express the progressive missions of their institutions and enhance the vitality of the public realm, Ennead has been a leader in the design world for decades.

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G&A | MUSEUM PLANNING & EXPERIENCE DESIGN

Internationally recognized as a design leader, G&A is on a pioneering mission to synthesize the physical and digital worlds in a way no other firm can. As interdisciplinary practitioners, G&A thrives in the unscripted dynamics of their work to provide unparalleled strategic and creative services.

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KSS ARCHITECTS | EXECUTIVE ARCHITECT

KSS is an architecture, interior design, and planning partnership united by a common vision – today for tomorrow. They design vibrant places where future-focused ideas are fully realized. KSS is passionate about guiding clients through an innovative and collaborative design process to create impactful built environments that inspire while stimulating commerce, learning, and community.

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GARY STAAB | PALEO SCULPTOR

Gary Staab/Staab Studios produces natural history and prehistoric life models for museums, publishing, and film. He has created sculptures for National Geographic Magazine, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the American Museum of Natural History, the BBC, and the Discovery Channel among many others.

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