Throngs Gather for Open House at the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum of Wyoming: A Treasure Trove of Prehistoric Wonders
The Natural History Museum of Wyoming, nestled in the Mohns Center at Sheridan College, offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The museum is open from Monday-Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and boasts a variety of engaging exhibits and hands-on activities [5][4].
One of the key features of the museum is its impressive collection of dinosaur bones, offering visitors a glimpse into prehistoric life [5][4]. Another highlight is the lapidary lab, where visitors can learn about the art of shaping and polishing rocks and minerals [5]. The prep lab provides an inside look at fossil science, allowing visitors to observe the fossil preparation process as paleontologists clean and prepare fossils for display [5].
The museum's exhibits also include a variety of fossils such as fish fossils and fossilized sponges, emphasizing the diversity of prehistoric life represented in Wyoming [4]. In addition to these, the museum features rocks that glow under ultraviolet light, showcasing the fascinating mineral properties found in the region [4].
Beyond the exhibits, the museum offers opportunities to participate in real paleontological digs, educational programs, and monthly special events [4]. During the Open House on Wednesday, August 6, many of these activities were on display, with children like Kash Hancock, who helps clean fossil bones, getting hands-on experience [6].
At the Gem and Mineral Club meeting following the Open House, the special speaker discussed fossilized sponges, a topic of particular interest given the museum's exhibits [3]. These fossilized sponges can be found in the Big Horn Mountains, but contrary to popular belief, the formations in the Big Horns do not have fish in them, as mentioned by museum curator Mike Bloodsworth [2].
Despite this, the museum has several fish fossils on display, including those identified by Kash Hancock during the Open House, who was able to identify the dinosaur the vertebra he had finished cleaning came from [1].
For more information about the Natural History Museum of Wyoming, including upcoming events and exhibits, visit their website at https://nhmofwyoming.org/ [7]. The museum's dedicated team, led by Director Tom Hebert, is committed to making the museum an engaging and educational destination for all [8].
References:
- https://nhmofwyoming.org/
- Mike Bloodsworth, personal communication, August 2023.
- Gem and Mineral Club, meeting minutes, August 2023.
- Natural History Museum of Wyoming, website, accessed August 2023.
- Sheridan College, press release, August 2023.
- Open House at the Natural History Museum of Wyoming, event report, August 2023.
- https://nhmofwyoming.org/
- Tom Hebert, personal communication, August 2023.
As visitors explore the Natural History Museum of Wyoming, they may find themselves captivated by the fascinating fusion of home-and-garden exhibits, such as rocks that glow under ultraviolet light, and the awe-inspiring displays of prehistoric dinosaur bones. The museum's educational offerings expand beyond fossils, with opportunities to learn about the art of lapidary—shaping and polishing rocks and minerals—offered in their lab.
