barnesmuseum(CSi) – Paleontologists from the North Dakota Geological Survey will begin setting up a new display at the Barnes County Museum in Valley City beginning Tuesday, March 15. The new exhibit will feature many different types of fossils, some of which would have been typical plant and animal life of eastern North Dakota millions of years ago.

“In addition to having specimens from eastern North Dakota, like some of the mosasaur fossils that are found there, we are really excited to feature specimens from other parts of the state as well,” explains Clint Boyd, senior Paleontologist with the Geological Survey. “One of the most exciting pieces that will be on display comes from a recent find this summer of a duck-billed dinosaur rib with bite marks.”

The overall exhibit will also feature a full cast of a Triceratops skeleton, which was originally constructed in Valley City, has recently been out on loan, and is being returned from Tennessee. Museum curator Wes Anderson is happy to see the cast return to fill a void from a previous fossil display that left the museum at the end of 2015.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to partner with the state to provide a great experience and understanding of the history of North Dakota for our visitors and our community,” explains Anderson. “This allows us to better tell the story of eastern North Dakota and augment our display capabilities.”

The three person paleontology team will work for most of the week with staff and volunteers from the Barnes County museum to get the exhibit in place and ready for viewing. An official unveiling will be announced at a later date- but the fossils should be ready for the public to view as early as Thursday, March 17, 2016.