CITIZEN PALEONTOLOGY IN THE CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY: A NEW MUSEUM EXHIBIT CELEBRATING SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY NONSCIENTISTS

Fossils are anomalously common in North and South Carolina, driving widespread public awareness of fossils. Scientifically significant fossils typically include Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, and Pliocene marine vertebrates (sharks, bony fish, sea turtles, sea birds, cetaceans, sirenians, pinnipeds) and Pleistocene terrestrial vertebrates (turtles, crocodilians, land mammals). Natural outcrops are exceedingly rare and most collecting is undertaken in artificial exposures such as quarries, construction sites, and drainage ditches; other finds are made in subaqueous exposures in river beds. Though of lesser scientific value, the majority of specimens are collected ex-situ from riverbanks, channels, and beaches. The rather large population of fossil-aware citizens in the Carolinas offer an unparalleled opportunity for museums and scientists to collaborate with the amateur community. The Mace Brown Museum of Natural History at the College of Charleston (CCNHM) in Charleston, South Carolina, actively interfaces with and educates amateur paleontologists towards proper excavation techniques and data collection. Most critically, in July 2017 CCNHM installed an innovative new exhibit celebrating amateur donations to lowcountry paleontology. While small, this new display includes display space to highlight recently donated fossils – providing a tangible reward for members of the public to donate scientifically significant fossils and contribute to scientific progress. The display space is flexible, permitting rotation of exhibit specimens as new material is donated. In addition to celebrating recently donated fossils, the exhibit also provides a number of panels and objects instructing amateur paleontologists how to properly 1) record field notes in a notebook, and which notes to record; 2) label specimens with field numbers; 3) prepare local fossils; 4) excavate fragile specimens; 5) use particular archival materials such as inks and paint; and 6) promptly contact CCNHM staff if a fragile and significant specimen is discovered but excavation is outside the skill of the discoverer. Displays such as this encourage members of the public to become 'citizen paleontologists' and actively contribute to ongoing and future research topics at CCNHM.