Museum Matters
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We are Morrison, Colorado's paleontology museum, offering exhibits and programs that highlight local life and Earth history - all nourished by a field research program.
IT HAS ARRIVED!
Our director & chief curator Matthew Mossbrucker has gently unpacked our new allosaur skull - along with lower jaw and partial neck - for permanent display at the museum. This skull represents a local dinosaur species that still remains a mystery some 134 years after its discovery at Morrison, Colorado.
Nearly two years ago, Mossbrucker discovered part of an allosaur jaw in Jurassic beds near Morrison. He nicknamed the specimen in honor of his son, Owen, who was celebrating his sixth birthday that same day. Since then, museum volunteer Doug Hartshorn found more of the allosaur skull.
Morrison Museum staff hopes that the allosaur skull bones will help to shed light on the “King of the Jurassic” - as these are the first diagnostic allosaur remains from Morrison.
“A handful of teeth were collected in the late 1870s, but teeth are not useful in discerning allosaur species.” remarks Mossbrucker, “a beaten-up, partial lower leg bone was recognized more than a decade ago, but again, it was not helpful in broadening our understanding of our local Jurassic apex predator.”
Mossbrucker and crew look forward to cleaning the allosaur skull material out of granite-hard sandstone. The process will take at least two years.
“In the end, we aim to refine our understanding of this fascinating Late Jurassic ecosystem,” noted Mossbrucker.
This wonderful cast was made possible by the generous donations of the Rudy and Alice Ramsey Family Foundation, T Caneer, John Sunesen, and generous museum visitors.
The cast allosaur skull will go on display during ‘Dinosaur Day’ Saturday May 26. The museum is open at ten daily. An element from Owen the Allosaur’s skull can be viewed in the Paleontology Lab as a part of daily museum tours at the Morrison Natural History Museum.
On April 28, 1982 the local dinosaur Stegosaurus was made the Colorado State Fossil thanks to plucky elementary school kids and Governor Richard Lamm.
Today, the first bones of Stegosaurus are on display at the Morrison Natural History Museum along with a large collection of Stegosaurus tracks including those of babies. Research is still ongoing on these bones and tracks.
To honor Colorado’s State Fossil, the Morrison Natural History Museum is hosting “Stegosaurus Day,” a special event that features specialized tours and activities to celebrate our favorite local dinosaur.
Come in and help us work on the Stegosaurus fossils and sign the preparation registry!
Join in on hourly tours, fossil track cast s for kids, dinosaur coloring station, pet a living native reptile and assist with the cleaning of fossils in the Paleo Lab.
Regular admission charged. No additional fees for programming or activities. The museum will open at regular time, 10:00 a.m. and will stop taking tickets at 4:00 in the afternoon.
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With tomorrow being a furlough day for Jefferson County Schools, are you looking for something to do, with the family? MNHM’s daily (or self-guided) tours are a great way to learn about local paleontology with some hands on learning as well!
To honor Colorado’s State Fossil, the Morrison Natural History Museum is hosting “Stegosaurus Day,” a special event that features specialized tours and activities to celebrate our favorite local dinosaur.
Come in and help us work on the Stegosaurus fossils and sign the preparation registry!
MNHM would like to thank Jennifer Anderson for serving as our Foundation President over the last four years. Pictured is Jennifer receiving a Town Recognition for her service over the years. Though Jennifer will not be sitting on the board as President, she will still have a key role in future endeavors here at MNHM.
What’s new at MNHM this Spring? New toys, of course! This guy is a hit so far!
Volunteer Open House Today
If you have a passion for paleontology, you’ll fit right in at the Morrison Natural History Museum. Stop by the Museum today (noon-4:30) and chat with staff and volunteers about joining the crew. Two positions are currently available; Paleontology Docents and Paleontology Lab Technicians. You bring enthusiasm, we’ll provide the training at no cost. Positions are limited, so don’t delay.
Is there a “dino-maniac” in your life that has a birthday coming up? Our two-hour long birthday program consists of an hour-long Museum tour with hands-on demonstrations with short discussions about local fossils, rocks, and reptiles. Participants touch real and cast fossils, pet a snake, chip stone from dinosaur bone, paint a small cast of a dinosaur track, and more.
Coming to MNHM in February - Volunteer Open House! If you’ve ever inquired with us about our volunteer opportunities, this is the time to stop by and get a “behind the scenes” look at our volunteer program here at MNHM! Join us from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM on Saturday, February 25, 2012. Space is limited so please RSVP to info@mnhm.org.
