Aurora Fossil Museum facts for kids
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| Established | May 1978 |
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| Location | Aurora, North Carolina |
| Type | Natural history museum |
| Key holdings | Miocene and Pliocene era fossils |
The Aurora Fossil Museum is a super cool natural science museum located in Aurora, North Carolina. It's a place where you can discover amazing things about Earth's past, especially through fossils! The museum's main collection comes from a nearby phosphate mine. This mine has been a great source of fossils for many years.
The museum also has fossils donated from all over the world. Plus, you can see displays about geology (the study of Earth's rocks and soil) and even meteorites (rocks from space!).
Contents
Discovering Ancient Life
The fossils found in the local mine are incredibly old. Some are about 18 to 22 million years old! Others are a bit younger, around 2.5 to 5 million years old. These fossils come from different time periods called the Miocene and Pliocene eras. They tell us a lot about the ancient animals and plants that lived in this area millions of years ago.
What are Fossils?
Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient life. They can be bones, teeth, shells, or even footprints. The Aurora area is famous for fossil hunting, thanks to the rich deposits in the phosphate mine.
Fossil Hunting Fun
One of the most exciting parts of visiting the museum is the chance to find your own fossils! The museum has two special areas called "spoils piles" right across the street. These piles are filled with leftover material from the mine.
What are Spoils Piles?
Spoils piles are like treasure heaps! They contain small shells, pieces of coral, and lots of shark teeth. It's usually quite easy to find these fossils. The piles are open every day during daylight hours, so you can go on your own fossil adventure.
How the Museum Started
The Aurora Fossil Museum first opened its doors in 1978. It was created through a team effort. The town of Aurora worked together with local mines, East Carolina University, and other people who loved fossils. They wanted to create a place where everyone could learn about the amazing geological history of the Aurora area.
Exciting Events
Every May since 1983, the museum hosts a special event called the Fossil Festival. It's a big celebration of fossils and includes fun activities, like a fossil auction. It's a great time to visit and learn even more!
