
Rocks Revealed

Heat, pressure, and time are the unseen forces behind the ever-changing story of rocks. Learn how igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are formed and transformed, creating a continuous cycle that reshapes the Earth — often too slowly for us to notice! Get to know iconic examples like granite, shale, gneiss, and obsidian, and discover which rocks make up the ground beneath your feet.

Ontario’s landscape tells a story billions of years in the making. From the ancient rocks of the Canadian Shield to fossils left behind when Southern Ontario was covered by warm, shallow seas, this section explores how glaciers, shifting continents, and deep time shaped the land we know today. Learn why Hastings County is considered the Mineral Capital of Canada and discover the geological forces that continue to define our region.

Rocks are essential to modern life. From the minerals in our phones and batteries to the stone, metals, and soil that support our homes, food, and water, geology touches nearly everything we use. This exhibit reveals how rocks connect natural history to everyday life — and why understanding the ground beneath us helps us better understand our communities, resources, and future.