Ask an Expert

Curious about a fossil found in your backyard? Wondering about the origins of the artifact in your attic, or if that otherworldly rock on your shelf is actually from outer space?

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Ask an Expert event is your chance to get answers! Submit your object to the Museum for a chance to share your find with our scientists. Participants with accepted submissions will be invited to bring their object to be evaluated at the Museum on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

What objects can I submit for consideration?

• Small-to-medium-sized rocks, meteorites, or fossils
• Archaeological or anthropological objects (such as tools, pottery, or other human-modified objects that may be cultural in origin)

What objects will not be considered?

• Human remains or any derived materials
• Biological objects or specimens (such as living or dead animals, plant clippings, flowers, wood, or fungus)

What else should I know?

• Appointments during the Ask an Expert event will last approximately 15 minutes.
• All objects submitted must have been legally obtained.
• Only objects submitted in advance will be reviewed; walk-ins and additional objects will not be permitted during the event.
• Appraisals of objects will not be offered, and the assessment of the object is only the opinion of the evaluator.
• During the event, objects may not be left unattended at the Museum and must remain in your possession at all times.

Ready to Ask an Expert?

Submissions will be accepted between May 1—May 31, 2026 and participants will be notified by June 12. Sign up to be notified when submissions are open!