Museum offers bone sponsorship

Ever wanted to buy a pterodactyl bone?

The prehistoric reptiles that flew on a web of skin stretched between their fourth finger and torso are invading the Exhibit Museum of Natural History for one of the largest displays of pterodactyls in the Midwest. To fund the new exhibit, the museum is initiating its third "Buy-a-Bone" program.

Last year, the museum raised $30,000 by selling whalebones. Another $30,000 is expected this year - and the museum is already halfway to its goal.

Bone patrons can sponsor nine different pterodactyl bones, ranging from a tooth for $15 to a skull for $1,000. All sponsors receive a Bone Buyer's Certificate, an invitation to an exclusive exhibit preview party April 16, 1999 and have their names p

NATHAN RUFFER/Daily Dan Erickson, who prepares exhibits at the Museum of Natural History, pauses while working on a reconstruction of a Pterasaur called an Anhanguera.

laced on a permanent plaque in the Exhibit Museum.

An unlimited number of people can sponsor each bone, but opportunities for individual sponsorship also exist. For $1,200 to $3,000, patrons can sponsor skeletons of small pterodactyls - a species that ranged in size from pigeons to airplanes.

The museum's exhibit consists of pterodactyl bones excavated from Brazil. The bones in the exhibit are castings of the original bones - allowing them to be hung from the ceiling. In the exhibit, the bones of an Anhanguera pterodactyl will be hung next to a model pterodactyl complete with skin. The model, which model builder Dan Erickson began to work on in December, is scheduled to be completed in time for the April 16 "Bone Buyers Bash."

"I'm excited about it. It's supposed to be the most complete (exhibit) in the Midwest," said museum docent and Engineering senior Jesse Tryon. "That is pretty cool because it's right here at home."

Other museum staff said they are also excited.

"The exhibit is part of the plan to upgrade exhibits," said "Buy-a-Bone" organizer Dan Madaj. "I'm excited to see us expand and elaborate what we have. It's the beginning of a long process to upgrade and renovate."

To help fund the new pterodactyl exhibit, those interested in sponsoring a bone, immortalizing their names or organization's name on a plaque or giving a unique gift can call 763-4190 or visit the Exhibit Museum before the "Buy-a-Bone" program becomes extinct April 9, 1999.

02-15-99