One doesn’t have to be a paleontologist to find fossils. Identifying them is a different story.The East Tennessee State University and General Shale Brick Natural History Museum at the Gray Fossil Site wants to assist the public in identifying their own finds by hosting “Fossil Identification Night” on Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 4-6 p.m. This bi-monthly event is held on the last Tuesday of every other month.

The public is encouraged to bring any kind of rock, fossil, or mineral to the event, and the museum staff will provide space for the study of these finds.

“We hold these events on special days because we get lots of inquiries about fossil finds from this area,” says collection manager Brett Woodward. “It is all part of the museum’s dedication to providing informal education about geology and paleontology to the community.”

Earlier this year, some fossils were donated to the museum that had been collected at the initial discovery of the Gray Fossil Site.

“Other than our Miocene fossils, we see a lot of Paleozoic-aged fossil invertebrates and plant life from this region,” says preparator Brian Compton.

The ETSU and General Shale Brick Natural History Museum is one of only a few museums located directly on a fossil site. It features a permanent exhibit that guides visitors through the Miocene period, some 4.5 to 7 million years ago.

Even though less than two percent of the site has been excavated, the Gray Fossil Site is well known for having the largest tapir fossil collection and the discovery of a new species of red panda and badger.

“Fossil Identification Night” is free and open to the public but does not include admission to the temporary exhibit. Light refreshments will be served.

The museum is open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and is located 1.8 miles off Exit 13 on Interstate 26.

For more information, call 866-202-6223 or visit the museum at www.grayfossilmuseum.com.

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