A new family friendly display at Yorkshire Museum will tell the story of unsung hero and fossil hunter, Mary Anning.
The renowned palaeontologist changed the way we view the natural world, and is best known for discovering Jurassic marine fossils in the southwestern English coastal town, Lyme Regis. She discovered the first ichthyosaur skeleton when she was just 13 years old!
Now, visitors to the Yorkshire Museum can discover her inspiring story in the new exhibition Mary Anning Rocks which is set to open on 14 July 2023.
The exhibition will be based in the Jurassic galleries in the museum, and visitors will be able to read and learn about Mary Anning’s discoveries as well as view the Yorkshire Museum’s own Giant Ichthyosaur.
Found near Whitby, it is one of the biggest ever discovered in Britain and is over 180 million years old.
Also on display will be a statuette of Mary Anning, on loan from the Mary Anning charity.
Sarah King, curator of natural science at the Yorkshire Museum said: “It’s been a privilege to work on this new display, and I sincerely hope it helps to give a forgotten woman of science the recognition she deserves.
“As part of the project we are excited to be working with community groups to undertake fossil trips to the Yorkshire Coast and will share their finds and stories in the exhibition.
“Fossil finding is much the same as it was 200 years ago when Anning was operating, so we hope this display will encourage visitors to explore how they can find fossils themselves and follow in the footsteps of Mary Anning.”
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The display will run from 14 July to 20 September and will include a packed programme of family activities, self-led trails and events – making it a great option for some family fun over the summer holidays.
Mary Anning Rocks will be included within general admission.
For more information or to book your tickets to Yorkshire Museum, visit their website here.