The history of existence on Earth was on display this weekend at Union Chapel.
The two-day National Fossil Day celebration featured experts from the American Museum of Natural History, Harvard University and Yale Peabody Museum, all displaying and educating a throng of excited children and adults about various fossils.
The first National Fossil Day was celebrated worldwide in 2010 as part of Earth Science week. This year’s theme was Glen Canyon, a fossil rich area in Utah. Among the fossils featured from that location was Tacki, a newly mounted Psittacosaurus skeleton.
For Jessica Utrup, a museum assistant specializing in invertebrate paleontology at Yale Peabody Museum, her love for fossils started at a young age.
“I grew up in Ohio and I collected fossils as a kid,” she said. “That’s what really sparked my love.”
This was Ms. Utrup’s fifth time attending the event, which for her has become a family affair.
“My daughter, who is here with me, is more into insects,” she said with a laugh. “There’s not as many fossils in Connecticut [where we live].”
When presenting to kids, Ms. Utrup said she finds that the physical act of touching a fossil is most effective.
“Touching is a huge thing because kids want to touch things and feel what it’s like,” she said.
A trio of children marveled at Ms. Utrup’s fossil showcase from the Permian era — 250 to 300 million years ago. When one child asked about the Cambrian era, Ms. Utrup directed her to the next table.
Long-time organizer Fred Hotchkiss was excited about the turnout for the event’s first two-day endeavor.
“We come from so far and carry such heavy rocks,” he said. “I thought, let’s see if the public will come out for two days.”
Vineyard resident Charles Shabica hosted a popular quiz, asking questions about different rocks, fossils and minerals that were on display across his two tables. Questions included which sand in various bottles was from the Island, what the Massachusetts state fossil is and which rocks are made by humans.
Anne Ganz, sister of Mr. Hotchkiss, followed Mr. Shabica’s quiz alongside a group of curious kids.
“It’s very humbling to hear these dates,” she said. “It’s fun to see the shapes that are so familiar [in these fossils].”
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