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State Museum Unveils First Ever Dinosaur Fossils Documented in Nevada, Plans for New Facility at Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Fossils of Raptor and T-rex Ancestor Showcase Museum's Vision for New 79,000 Sq. Ft. Home.

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Nevada State Museum unveiled the
first dinosaur fossils reported in the state along with plans for a new $36
million facility at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve that will house the
state museum upon completion in 2008. The fossils, which include the femur
from a dromaeosaur (raptor); a tooth from a Tyrannosauroid ("tyrant
lizard-like" creature and ancestor to the Tyrannosaurus rex); a tooth from
a sauropod (a long-necked dinosaur), a tooth from an iguanodontid (a
primitive duck-billed dinosaur); and fossilized eggshell fragments were
found in southern Nevada in 2005 and represent the vision Nevada State
Museum officials have for showcasing Nevada's exciting and still relatively
unexplored history. With 79,000 square-feet of exhibit and gallery space,
the new museum more than doubles the size of the current location at 700
Twin Lakes Drive. The additional space allows for the display of new
artifacts such as the dinosaur fossils and others from the museum's
collection that have never before been introduced to the public.
"These are the first dinosaur fossils described from the state of
Nevada and they come from the Cretaceous period, the last period of the age
of dinosaurs," said Joshua Bonde, who, along with field crews, uncovered
the dinosaur specimens during his work toward a Masters of Science degree
in Earth Science at Montana State University-Bozeman. "These fossils are
important because along with their geological context, they give scientists
an idea of what was going on in southern Nevada during this time. Dinosaur
research in Nevada is relatively new and with continued research and work
in the state more material is bound to be discovered."
The fossils were discovered by Bonde and field crew members from
Montana State University-Bozeman under the supervision of advisor Dr. David
Varricchio, Ph.D., who identified the site for exploration several years
ago. Bonde, who was born and raised in northern Nevada and received his
undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, believes the
dinosaur specimens are the first of its kind to be documented in the state.
Once scientists have completed their research, the fossils will be returned
to Nevada for display in the Nevada State Museum.
The Nevada State Museum is an educational institution whose purpose is
to advance the understanding of the history, pre-history, and natural
history of Nevada, emphasizing southern Nevada and its relationship with
surrounding areas. It collects, researches, interprets, exhibits, and
preserves Nevada's heritage for present and future generations.
Founded in 1982, the Nevada State Museum features some of the most rare
and interesting artifacts from the state's diverse history. Collections
include the original gaming license granted to the Las vegas visit Hilton, a
2,000-year-old Native American duck decoy from Pershing County, a 1946
Flamingo Hilton stock certificate issued to Ben "Bugsy" Siegel, preserved
native wildlife displayed in their natural habitat and a variety of
exciting and educational traveling exhibits. In all, the museum will
feature four galleries -- People, Land, Early Days, and Viva Nevada -- with
interpretive and interactive exhibits.
"Our new building will be the ideal location to showcase the rich
history of Las Vegas and Nevada," said Greta Brunschwyler, Nevada State
Museum director. "When the doors open in 2008, we'll have an exciting
layout that presents the people, places and events that have helped shape
the community we reside in today."
The new museum, built largely with funds from ballot Question 1 passed
in 2002, is located on the North West corner of the Preserve, a national
historic site commonly known as the "birthplace of Las Vegas." With 180
acres of museums, botanical gardens, galleries, trails and concert venues,
the Preserve is designed to set new standards in "green building" while
becoming a new cultural hub for locals and tourists seeking a different
kind of experience than normally associated with Las vegas visit.
In keeping with the site's commitment to present sustainable,
educational attractions the new Nevada State Museum building intends to
achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification
from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
"The Nevada State Museum is a perfect fit for the Preserve," said
Francis Beland, Las Vegas Springs Preserve director. "We're happy to team
up with them on a unique family attraction that both educates and
entertains visitors about the extraordinary history of our community."
About the Nevada State Museum
The Nevada State Museum and Historical Society, a state agency, is an
educational institution whose purpose is to advance the understanding of
the history, pre-history, and natural history of Nevada, emphasizing
southern Nevada and its relationship with surrounding areas. It collects,
researches, interprets, exhibits, and preserves Nevada's heritage for
present and future generations.
About the Las Vegas Springs Preserve
The Las vegas visit Springs Preserve is a 180-acre national historic site
commonly known as the "birthplace of Las Vegas." When it opens in 2007,
this cultural and historic attraction will offer a fun, educational and
recreational gathering place to commemorate Las Vegas' dynamic history and
provide a vision for a sustainable future. Upon completion, the Preserve
will feature a series of historic museums, galleries, outdoor
concerts/events, the Nevada State Museum and Historical Society, an
interpretive trail system, a botanical garden and more. For more
information about the Springs Preserve, please visit
http://www.springspreserve.org.

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