New exhibit puts Alaska dinosaurs in the spotlight

May 18, 2015

An exhibit opening May 23 at the University of Alaska Museum of the North reveals the story of the animals and plants that lived in Alaska during the Age of Dinosaurs. "Expedition Alaska: Dinosaurs" contains dozens of never-before-displayed specimens from museum expeditions over the last decade.

UAMN photo by Roger Topp.. This dinosaur fossil was discovered at an excavation site along the Colville River.

Earth sciences curator Pat Druckenmiller wanted to highlight several important specimens from the museum’s collection that have been the subject of recent research.

“This is an exciting time to study dinosaurs in Alaska," he said. "In the last few years, we have found new fossil sites that are producing exciting discoveries, some of which are even new species.”

The installation will feature real Alaska dinosaur fossils, including several specimens that have never been exhibited publicly. New artwork by Alaska artists James Havens and Ray Troll will help bring to life the assortment of dinosaurs that lived here between 252 million and 66 million years ago. Interactive displays will allow visitors to dig for dinosaur bones and explore a scientific base camp.

The museum has also produced a film by the same name that takes viewers to locations across the state where scientists search for evidence of its earliest residents. Roger Topp, head of exhibits, design and digital media, said the museum team has built an installation that highlights museum research expertise and is truly Alaskan at heart.

UAMN photo by Pat Druckenmiller.. A field camp occupies a gravel patch on the Alaska Peninsula, where Alaska’s oldest dinosaur tracks were found.

“This is what Alaskans do for adventure,” he said. “River boats, road trips, camping, even landing on gravel bars. Both the exhibit and the film have a lot of fun with this — Alaskans being Alaskans and looking for dinosaurs. It’s a blast to discover what’s hidden away in the mud and rock of our backyard.”

"Expedition Alaska: Dinosaurs" will be on display in the museum’s Special Exhibits Gallery until May 2016. A series of related exhibits featuring the museum’s mammal and archaeology collections will be installed in the fall.

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Pat Druckenmiller, earth sciences curator, at 907-474-6954 or via email at psdruckenmiller@alaska.edu; Roger Topp, head of production, at 907-474-6985 or via email at rmtopp@alaska.edu

ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/museum/exhibits/special-exhibits/dinosaurs/