August 2023 Program Information
August 2023 Program
Mike, our president, gave a very interesting talk with slides about the Virginia Museum of Natural History. He & Karen visited the museum in Martinsville on a bus trip.They got to go "behind the scenes" and were impressed with the research going on there. He had some photos of the minerals displayed there (which were of medium quality if compared to the JMU collection).
The Diplodocus skeleton displayed in the lobby was a replica, but some of the actual bones were in the backrooms. There were lots of other dinosaur skeletons and bones on display as well. Jefferson's ground sloth made a "huge" impression, as it towered above Mike in his photo.
The museum has over 10,000,000 specimens!!! They visited the backrooms and saw many rows of cabinets with drawers full of specimens of birds, insects, bones, and a lot of scary worm-like creatures in jars. Hahn Hall exhibited many animals from Africa that were donated by Dr. Hahn, president emeritus of VT.
There was a section on the geology of VA with samples of rock and explanations of plate tectonics and structural formations. To learn more go to www.vmnh.net. But, it is best seen in person. It's worth the 3 hour trip there!! (I've been and so have several other club members. It is a great educational venue.)
Part two of his talk dealt with the proposed branch of the VA Museum of Natural History to be built in Waynesboro.
The Virginia General Assembly is working on moving the project from the 6-year Capital Outlay Plan to the Capital Pool during the 2024 VA General Assembly Session. Plans are to have a 2024 ground-breaking ceremony.
The building will be 2 stories with 28,000 sq. ft. of space to include an entrance hall with classrooms, meeting rooms and exhibit rooms. The focus will be on the ecological, geological, & cultural history of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. The proposal includes 65,000 visitors annually with a $2 million impact on the local economy.
Mike is going to send letters from the club to our two VA representatives who are supporting the project. We would appreciate any club member who wishes to show support and appreciation to send a letter to:
Senator Emmett Hanger
PO Box 2
Mount Solon, VA 22834-002
—and—
Delegate John Avoli
PO Box 1942
Staunton, VA 22402
Let's hope this comes about soon!! And thanks to Mike for the tour!