Natural History Museum and Fossil Site

We found an interesting museum to explore in nearby Johnson City: East Tennessee State University Natural History Museum and Gray Fossil Site. The site was discovered accidentally. In May 2000, a road crew realigning a highway hit some dark colored soil. They had to stop and investigate to make sure the soil would hold up for a road. Scientists discovered some fossil bones and construction stopped while they investigated. At first it was thought the bones dated from the Ice Age, but further investigation proved the site to be much older - from 4.5 to 7 million years ago. The governor eventually halted road construction permanently and preserved the site. Interpretations suggest that it was a sinkhole, which filled to become a pond or lake surrounded by oak and hickory forest. Animals grazing or running from predators likely fell in and drowned or became stuck.

Since 2001, scientists from ETSU have been excavating and making amazing discoveries. One of the most notable is a red panda. The Gray Fossil site is unique because it records a forest ecosystem; most other site are from grassy plains or have a coastal influence.

The museum building is right next to the fossil dig site. The museum opened in Sept 2007 so is new. There is a wonderful free (donations accepted) self guided tour that starts with a short movie giving the history of the site. There are many interactive exhibits including a "dig pit" with fake bones so kids can discover fossils. One room took us through the whole process from first discovery and excavation, to the preservation of the fossils. This would be a great place to take kids, but fun for us adults too.
We took the group tour for $5. We were the only ones on our tour, which included the Paleontology Research Center on the second floor. We were not allowed in the large research lab or fossil preparation rooms, but we had a good view through large windows. The guided tour also takes visitors outside to the actual dig sites. We got a close look at the original dig pit where the large rhino bones were found.
Most ancient fossil sites are in remote areas - this one is just two miles off I-26 exit 13, so very easy to visit. We hope a lot of people take advantage of this most interesting place.