Natural History Program to be held at Clearmont Historical Center

On July 19, at 2:30 p.m., The Clearmont Historical Group welcomes Dave Nicolarsen, who will be presenting a talk on natural history at the Historical Center in Clearmont.

Robert Prusak, President of the Clearmont Historical Group, talks about the upcoming event.

Prusak added that Nicolarsen’s knowledge of dinosaurs and their relation to prehistoric Wyoming is extensive. He is currently the Museum Curator for the Sheridan College which oversees the display of many dinosaurs and other animals excavated at a quarry south of Buffalo.

Prusak continued,

He said that three times a year Nicolarsen leads field trips by the Museum of Discovery to the quarry south of Buffalo to explore the remnants of life in the Morrison Formation of the Jurassic Period. Many different species living at the time perished at this location in mud bogs and other natural hazards and catastrophic events to be preserved as fossils.

Prusak talked about the current natural history exhibit at the Center and added that Nicolarsen, along with many other volunteers, have made it possible for the public to view first hand the many creatures living and thriving millions of years ago in our area. Included in this exhibit are items found in the Clear Creek Valley such as a mammoth tooth, leaf fossils, petrified wood, sea shells and many other items.

Guest contributors have also brought in leaf and fish fossils along with many artifacts from Wyoming and Montana.

“We are also fortunate to be showcasing some of the fossils excavated at the Buffalo quarry including allosaurus, pterodactyl, mammoth, and prehistoric horse fossils,” Prusak said.

He added, “All of us at the Center are just looking forward to a great summer and we hope people can come out and see what we’ve got to offer.” He said a lot of people have stopped by this summer, even some from Sweden and many from around the country.

Those interested are welcome to attend the free presentation on July 19, and feel free to come to the Center and see all the displays. The Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday through Labor Day.

You can go to the link at clearmonthistoricalgroup.com or contact them at clearmonthistory@gmail.com. They can also be reached at 1-307-758-4685.

Prusak added a special thank you to the Sheridan College Foundation and Dave Nicolarsen for allowing the Clearmont Historical Center to be able to present this program and the current exhibit.