Behind the Scenes:  Journey of a Fossil from Field Specimen to Exhibit

Museum exhibitions are one of the great storytellers of the history of life on Earth. As exhibits have evolved over time, so too have the stories grown, platforms changed, and materials to display improved. Increasingly, paleontology exhibits include more than just the story of a particular group of fossils. Stories of field expeditions, trials in fossil preparation labs, conservation of collections, advances in 3D modeling and printing, and research conducted on fossils enrich exhibitions and bring the collections to the public. With the advances of modern technology, museums are expanding upon their on-site displays by developing virtual exhibits and investing in mobile museum units. Traveling exhibits provide an opportunity for museum revenue as well as increasing education and outreach potential. Virtual exhibits and mobile museums provide opportunities to reach communities that might be unable to visit the museum. Incorporating 3D modeling and printing of fossils into educational programs and exhibitions provides opportunities for increased accessibility to fossils that otherwise could not be displayed. In each of these areas, museums must carefully consider their budgets, specimens, and human resources to ensure they can effectively implement these innovative approaches.

This symposium is seeking presenters with stories that explore these topics and discussion about best practices followed through the process of developing museum exhibits.