TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Crocodilians will take center stage at Alabama Fossil Fest hosted by the Alabama Museum of Natural History and University of Alabama Museums department of museum research and collections Sept. 20 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
The free event suitable for all ages will feature hands-on learning spanning 500 million years of Alabama’s past, a new exhibit unveiling, exciting talks by Drs. Ron Buta and David Schwimmer and presentation of the Alabama Avocational Paleontologist Award.
“This year, we’ve put together yet another very exciting and varied event,” said Dr. Adiel Klompmaker, curator of paleontology with the department of museum research and collections. “There are three great presentations such as a keynote talk about fossil crocodilians, the unveiling of a brand-new exhibit of a big prehistoric predator and our annual tabling event with tons of fossils. If you like biology, geology and/or paleontology, you do not want to miss this largest fossil event of the year in Alabama.”
Alabama’s ancient prehistory is very extensive. Fossils from the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic geological eras are on display in the regular exhibits at the museum, but also during the special tabling event.
The event will again feature tables from both paleontological societies in Alabama, the Birmingham Paleontological Society and Alabama Paleontological Society, as well as other organizations and individuals. One free fossil will be available per person at the tables of the UA department of museum research and collections.
“We have something for learners and explorers of all ages – presentations, hands-on opportunities with fossils from collections from around the state and educational programming that’ll get even the adults saying, ‘Crickey, this is cool,’” said Kristin Harrell, education outreach coordinator at the Alabama Museum of Natural History.
This will be the 13th year the museum has hosted a fossil-themed event. Previously known as National Fossil Day, the museum rebranded the event to Alabama Fossil Fest this year.
For more information, visit the Alabama Museum of Natural History website.
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides a forward-thinking environment and over 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
Contact
Rebecca Johnson, UA Museums, rljohnson8@ua.edu