TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama’s prehistoric past comes to life as fossil sharks, ancient sea creatures and hands-on discoveries take center stage at Alabama Fossil Fest. The free event will be held Sept. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Alabama Museum of Natural History on The University of Alabama campus.
This year’s festival will highlight fossil sharks and other marine life and feature displays, educational activities and opportunities to talk with professional and amateur paleontologists. Attendees can explore fossils from across Alabama and beyond, take part in activities for all ages, enter door prize drawings and receive a fossil shark tooth while supplies last.
“Sharks have existed on Earth for over 450 million years and were top predators in our oceans long before marine reptiles or mammals evolved,” said Dr. John Friel, director of the Alabama Museum of Natural History. “This year’s event is a fantastic opportunity for the public to discover something new about the incredible diversity of fossil sharks known from across our state.”
Alabama’s fossil record stretches back approximately 500 million years, preserving evidence of life from the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. While the museum’s regular exhibits showcase fossils of mosasaurs, crocodilians, dinosaurs and other ancient life, Alabama Fossil Fest offers a closer look at the state’s prehistoric marine world through special displays and conversations with experts.
The event will include a public presentation on identifying fossil shark teeth, followed by a short question-and-answer session. Presenter Chase Egli, a geologist and paleontologist with a master’s degree in geology from UA, studies fossil sharks and related fishes, including their teeth, classification and evolutionary history.
“Prepare for a fin-tastic afternoon dedicated to paleo enthusiasts of all ages, featuring exciting new hands-on programming, updated exhibits and brand-new installations,” said Kristin Harrell, the museum’s education outreach coordinator. “We can’t wait to see you.”
The Alabama Museum of Natural History is located in Smith Hall on the UA campus. The museum preserves and shares Alabama’s natural history through exhibits, collections, research and educational programming.
For more information including directions for free parking, visit the Alabama Museum of Natural History website.
The University of Alabama is the future-ready flagship. UA develops leaders and a workforce for a changing world, advances research and innovation that solve real problems and strengthens communities across Alabama and beyond. Part of The University of Alabama System, UA holds a global reputation for excellence and offers more than 200 degree programs. Through more than 30 research centers, the University leads creative inquiry and discovery that fuels economic growth and opportunity.
Contact
Rebecca Johnson, UA Museums, rljohnson8@ua.edu