I had no idea that Ithaca housed a well known museum home to one of the largest fossil collections in the world. I love museums and I can’t believe I didn’t know about this sooner but I’m so glad I got the chance to explore this amazing place.
I loved the tour we were given and how she made it so personal to all of us. I was handed the fossil of a trilobite and sadly soon found out that I did not survive the 2nd mass extinction. It was definitely awesome that she let us handle a tiny fossil and made the experience personal and more interactive.
My favorite fossil was the one of the Hyde Park Mastodon, which is one of the most complete mastodon fossils in the world. I believe our tour guide said it is nearly 98% complete with just a few missing toe bones. It was amazing to be able to see a complete fossil like that in person. There was also a replica of the ancestors of the sharks and I have to say that I would never go near the ocean if I knew things like that still swam in its depths.
My only complaint is that I didn’t have enough time to go explore everything in that museum but I’ll be sure to go back sometime in the future!
I wasn’t even aware that this museum existed! sounds like it’s worth the visit though. A 98% complete fossil like that is very impressive.
I was actually required to go to the museum for my bio 1780 class. Before then, I too did not know that there was a museum in Ithaca. When I found out that I had to go there, I was not expecting much at first but I actually enjoyed myself quiet a bit when I got there. I think that everyone here should at least visit once because it is a pretty cool experience that is right here in Ithaca.