CALVERT MARINE MUSEUM
P.O. Box 97 ? 14200 Solomons Island Road
Solomons, MD 20688
Traci Cimini ? 410-326-2042 x62
CMM-PR-16-74
December 1, 2016
For Immediate Release
PASSION FOR PALEONTOLOGY
Do you share a passion for paleontology and enjoy collecting fossils? The Calvert Marine Museum invites you to share your knowledge, become involved, and meet fellow enthusiasts. The Paleontology Department, under the direction of Curator Dr. Stephen Godfrey, sponsors a Fossil Club and works with fossil collectors all over the world. These partnerships continue to advance the field of paleontology and grow the museum’s collection.
The latest example of this effort is found in the work from George Klein, an avid fossil collector who compiled and produced a new publication, “Skeletal Anatomy of Alligator and Comparison with Thecachampsa.” This book is the first of its kind and will assist fossil collectors in identifying fossil crocodile bones found along Calvert Cliffs. It describes the living American alligator from head to toe with many descriptive photographs. “I have been a member of the Fossil Club for more than ten years and as an amateur paleontologist was happy when Stephen was open to publishing this book,” said George Klein. The book is the ideal resource for collectors to use, not only for identification, but to further the understanding of extinct alligators and crocodiles. Purchase this guide or download a free PDF version at http://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/276/CMM-Publications.
In the Foreword to the book, Dr. Godfrey states, “I have discovered how rewarding it can be to partner with avocational paleontologists. They continue to collect and donate thousands of scientifically important fossils to the museum, prepare and help curate our collection, contribute to public education and citizen science projects, and author formal publications like this one.” Klein has also contributed a number of articles to the Fossil Club’s newsletter, The Echpora. See the most recent issue at http://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/204/The-Ecphora-Newsletter. The Fossil Club sponsors lectures, participates in exploration trips, and meets quarterly. If you are interested in joining the club, email John Nance at nancejr@co.cal.md.us.
This book was published by the Calvert Marine Museum Press with the formatting and layout assistance from Rachel Reese of the museum’s Exhibits Department.
Photo attached: “Skeletal Anatomy of Alligator and Comparison with Thecachampsa” book cover
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The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors, military with valid I.D. and AAA members, and $4.00 for children ages 5 - 12; children under 5 and museum members are always admitted free. For more information about the museum, upcoming events, or membership, visit the website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or call 410-326-2042. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Google+, Instagram and Pinterest.