AURORA — In February, the Aurora Fossil Museum received a $20,000 contribution from PotashCorp-Aurora. The funds will be utilized to support the museum’s educational and outreach efforts.

“The Aurora Fossil Museum is very fortunate to have a strong partnership with PotashCorp-Aurora; this is one way that PotashCorp supports the museum and our educational mission. Corporate contributions are difficult to obtain, especially for nonprofit museums located in more rural areas. PotashCorp’s generosity will allow us to expand our education and outreach efforts to introduce science to children and adults who would not otherwise have the opportunity,” said Cynthia Crane, the museum’s director.

The Aurora Fossil Museum was established in 1976, and opened in 1978, in an effort to showcase the rich fossil record of the local area. Through dedicated collecting and research by fossil hunters, avocational and professional scientists, Aurora is recognized worldwide as one of the most scientifically important paleontological locations due to its vast record of marine life from the Miocene and Pliocene epochs (23-2.6 million years ago). The most recognized of the ancient sea life are fossilized teeth from C. megalodon, the extinct giant white shark, which recently was recognized as the state fossil of North Carolina.

“Our continued support of the Aurora Fossil Museum is due to the excellent educational resource it continues to be for the community. We encourage residents to visit and enjoy a hands-on learning experience and also learn about our operations,” said Ray McKeithan, manager of public and government affairs at PotashCorp-Aurora.

Crane encourages everyone to visit the Aurora Fossil Museum (admission is free) and spend the day “Digging the Past!”

The Aurora Fossil Museum is located at 400 Main St., Aurora. For more information, call 252-322-4238 or visit www.aurorafossilmuseum.org.