7-13 A Sneak Peek into Prehistory: Curating an Interactive Fossil Display to Spark Interest in the UA Little Rock Natural History Museum

Session: Undergraduate Research, Part I (Posters)

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Arkansas does not currently have a dedicated natural history museum, creating a unique opportunity for UA Little Rock following the recent donation of an expansive fossil collection. In response, the university established a natural history museum initiative intended to benefit both the campus community and the broader public across Arkansas. This initiative provides accessible resources for learning about natural science, evolution, and the state’s prehistoric past, areas that are often underrepresented in informal science education. It also serves as a platform for outreach, student engagement, and undergraduate research, strengthening UA Little Rock’s role in science education, workforce development, and community enrichment throughout the state. To promote the development of this museum, researchers curated a small, interactive fossil exhibit on the first floor of the university’s library, a highly visible and frequently visited campus space. This exhibit engaged and educated local audiences while building awareness and support for the forthcoming Natural History Museum, which is currently in development and planned for permanent installation in the Ottenheimer Library at UA Little Rock in summer 2027 to coincide with the institution’s 100th anniversary. The exhibit features specimens from an exceptional, museum-quality fossil collection donated anonymously by a local Little Rock donor, along with interactive elements such as fossil replicas designed for hands-on engagement. The project team developed a visually appealing, well-organized, and informative display grounded in best practices in museum design and prior research on visitor learning and retention. The exhibit’s theme is reinforced through cohesive décor, clear interpretive signage, and scientifically accurate paleo-illustrations that help visitors visualize organisms within their original ecosystems. Through sustained public engagement, the exhibit has sparked interest in natural history, fostered appreciation for paleontology and the natural sciences, and advanced a larger natural history initiative on the UA Little Rock campus.

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