The Mullica Hill Library will host a presentation at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, to explore the history of the Edelman Fossil Park and Museum and its mission of unearthing the area’s prehistoric past.
The Mantua museum – part of Rowan University – opened last year and is situated near a former marl quarry. The area holds evidence of the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago, an event that is among the historic subjects Edelman touches on in its events and programs.
“Our fossil bed has yielded more than 100,000 fossils representing over 100 species of marine and land animals, including the remains of bus-length mosasaurs, marine crocodiles, sea turtles, bony fish, shark teeth, brachiopods, marine snails, and much more,” the museum notes on its website.
Dr. Kenneth Lacovara, a paleontologist who has made several discoveries in the field and been awarded for his work, is in charge of the museum. He and colleagues discovered the Dreadnoughtus, a dinosaur estimated to have weighed 65 tons that was featured in the film “Jurassic World: Dominion.”
“Discovered in Patagonia by Dr. Lacovara and his team, Dreadnoughtus schrani is one of the most complete giant dinosaur skeletons ever found,” explains the museum. “Estimated to weigh 65 tons and stretch over 85 feet long, this towering titanosaur has transformed how scientists understand the biology and movement of Earth’s largest land animals.”
The fossil park is named for two Rowan University alumni, Jean and Ric Edelman, who donated $25 million to see the facility completed.
“The (library) event highlights include learning the history and development of the museum and fossil park,” said adult reference librarian Andrew Brenza, “discover why the site is scientifically significant and globally recognized, explore how fossils found at the site help scientists understand life 66 million years ago and gain insight into the museum’s mission of education, research and discovery.”
The presentation is free but requires registration in advance on the Gloucester County Library System (GCLS) website.
The history of the park and museum will be the focus of a presentation at the Mullica Hill library on July 25.
