Aurora Fossil Museum, Fossil museum in Aurora, North Carolina
The Aurora Fossil Museum displays marine fossils, prehistoric shark teeth, and specimens from the Pungo River Formation at its Main Street location. The collection includes materials from nearby geological deposits, offering visitors a direct look at remains from ancient ocean environments.
Founded in 1976, the museum began preserving and displaying fossils from deposits discovered by the neighboring Nutrien Phosphate Mine. The close relationship with local mining operations provided access to important prehistoric finds that might otherwise have remained unknown.
The museum hosts an annual Fossil Festival during Memorial Day weekend, bringing together paleontology enthusiasts with educational talks and community activities centered on prehistoric discovery.
Admission to the museum and fossil pits is free, allowing visitors to explore both the indoor collection and outdoor digging areas at no cost. The on-site gift shop sells fossil specimens and hunting kits, with revenue supporting the museum's educational programs and daily operations.
Visitors can dig through material from the Pungo River Formation in dedicated fossil pits on the grounds or purchase take-home hunting kits for personal exploration. This hands-on experience gives people a feel for how paleontologists actually work in the field.
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