The 21st of May marks the 224th birthday of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning and Lyme Regis Museum are putting together a fun filled day of family events and activities.

Having lived upon the site of the museum in her younger years, the celebrated fossil collector made some of her most important discoveries along the Jurassic Coast. So, on May 20th, fossil expert Chris Andrew will be putting on a fossil polishing class for visitors to take part in, so they are able to follow in the footsteps of Mary Anning herself.

On the day of Mary’s birthday, the museum are hosting a book launch by award winning Author Wolfgang Grulke whose new book ‘She Sold Seashells. The curious Mary Anning. Re-imagined”, looks back at Mary’s notable discoveries. Throughout the day Wolfgang will be giving multiple talks on his long association with Mary Anning and how the use of AI technology has allowed him to further tell his story. If you want to experience something different, Wolfgang will be signing a limited amount of copies with reconstituted 160-million-year-old squid ink!

A representative of the Museum stated that, “Mary Anning, a humble girl from Lyme Regis, through her discoveries became a trailblazer for women in science and one of the most important palaeontologists of all time. It is fitting that we will be spending her birthday weekend inspiring future generations of geologists and scientists with her amazing story”.

With all the history behind Mary Anning, throughout the day visitors will be able to meet with a “Young Mary Anning” who will be giving tours of the museum and giving talks all about her awe-inspiring work, tours will also be given to the Mary Anning statue situated on the seafront. Any young children wanting to visit and interested in fossils, will be able to attend a talk on “How to become a Fossil Expert” in the afternoon with the Museum’s Learning Officer.

If you are interested in booking a place on one of the many talks or tours over this special weekend, please contact the Museum on 01297 443370.