Today's Aurora Fossil Museum reflects over thirty years of cooperative effort by industry, government institutions and individuals. We endeavor to acknowledge as many as possible, but the sheer number of participants makes that impossible. We do hope this brief history will help illustrate the scope of its development and the key players.

The seed for the Aurora Fossil Museum was created when two dreams came together - share the paleontological wealth uncovered at the mine and provide a boost to the economy of a small town. During the late 1960's and early 1970's, Peter J. Harmatuk, an amateur paleontologist, began to collect vertebrate fossils at the then, Texasgulf Sulfur Mine in Aurora, NC. while Edgar Womble of the North Carolina Fossil Club was engaged in the same pursuit of invertebrate fossils. Mr. Harmatuk began opening his home to fossil collectors to view his specimens. In 1976, Grace Bonner (then Mayor of Aurora) instituted a growth and development program focused on bringing industry and tourism to the Town of Aurora. With the assistance of North Carolina Phosphate Corporation (now defunct), Texasgulf Sulfur Corporation (now PCS Phosphate Corporation), Aurora, NC Jaycees, Beaufort County Board of Commissioners, Washington, NC Chamber of Commerce and interested citizens, the museum opened its doors in May, 1978 with a collection of fossils donated by Mr. Harmatuk and Mr. Womble. During those early years, the assistance of the Smithsonian Institution, under the guidance of Dr. Clayton Ray, proved invaluable in identifying the Lee Creek (Aurora) fossil fauna. East Carolina University provided artifacts and identification for the Native American archeology display as well as providing valuable knowledge of past and present geology.

Becky Hyne

However, none of this would have been possible without the contributions of specimens, time and sometimes money by our many supporters. In addition to the initial specimens provided by Mr. Harmatuk and Mr. Womble, some individuals must be singled out as substantial fossil contributors: John Timmerman, Tom Parks, Pat Young, George Powell, Jr., Don Hamm, Ken Young, Rita McDaniel, Ramona Krailler and Dr. William Bean donated entire fossil displays. Raymond Douglas and Clyde Swindell have also given generously. John Timmerman, Richard Chandler, Kim Greene, Ellie Rouse and Dr. Jay Goldberg deserve a special mention as volunteer display designers. Some supporters have gone far beyond the call of duty. For the labor, funds, gifts and expertise, we thank BJ Blake, Ron & Sharron Edwards, Judy Stiles, Doris & Bert Speicher, Bill & Mary Ellen Cole, Cabbie Pierce, Trish Kohler, Ruth Meadows, John Steffensen, Steve & Cathy Hicks, Marshall Drecchio and Liz Allyn. Fossil clubs making substantial contributions include: North Carolina Fossil Club, Aurora Fossil Club, Alabama Paleontological Society, Delaware Valley Paleontological Society, New Jersey Paleontological Society, Maryland Geological Society and the American Fossil Federation.

Our Friends of the Museum group has contributed significantly in supplying manpower for the annual fossil auction, acting as paleo-guides for fossil digs and providing a much-needed source of funds. The generous donations by many individuals to the fossil auction have helped us to move forward in our mission. Without them, this museum would not be the place it is today.