AURORA — Andrea Stilley, executive director of the Aurora Fossil Museum, has announced she will retire from the position she has held for eight years.

Stilley’s last day on the job is July 18.

“I’m going to miss the visitors who come here because you meet people from all over the world who have a common interest in learning,” Stilley said. “And I’m going to miss the people I’ve worked with … we’re a very close knit family.”

During her eight-year stint at the museum, the facility more than doubled in size with the opening of the museum annex and learning center. “And we were able to bring more unusual items in” to complement the existing collection, according to Stilley.

But she’s also proud that the museum is now handicapped accessible, and the installation of Braille signs and special displays make the facility welcoming to visually-impaired visitors.

Among Stilley’s favorite additions to the museum collection during her tenure are the remains of two whales, one found in the PotashCorp-Aurora mine. The other, dubbed the “unknown whale” by museum staff, is unique “because it is beautiful and so complete,” she said.

Stilley said she is also particularly fond of a display of amber donated by Ricky Dickinson, a former PotashCorp employee.

Upon retirement, Stilley anticipates spending more time with husband Alton, daughter Jennifer and the family’s four dogs. Her post-July 18 schedule will also allow more time for fossil hunting and fishing.

And even though she’ll be off the payroll, Stilley plans to remain a part of the Aurora Fossil Museum family.

“After a period of relaxation, I want to stay active as a volunteer and continue making jewelry and crafts for them to sell in the museum gift shop,” she said.