AURORA — While most of eastern North Carolina was a shallow sea millions of years ago, the displays at the Aurora Fossil Museum don’t react well to water — namely the rainwater that’s been coming in through the museum’s aging roof.

In recent years, leaks in the main museum building, which dates to the early 1900s, have become more prevalent. While the museum contracted to have repairs done in 2018, Hurricane Florence interrupted the work and did additional damage to the aging Aurora landmark.

“It’s an old building, and it’s had those roof issues off and on for a number of years,” Crane said. “It’s just gotten worse and worse as the age progresses.”

While those damages were significant, they weren’t enough to clear a deductible to file an insurance claim, according to a statement from the museum. The total cost of the repairs, both to the roof and interior damages, amounts to approximately $20,000, of which the museum had raised $11,060 as of Monday. Crane says she hopes to have the repairs underway in early May so they can be completed in time for the Aurora Fossil Festival on May 24-26.

“We’re hoping it’s not going to cost more than that ($20,000),” Crane said. “Everybody’s keeping their fingers and toes crossed.”

For those wishing to contribute, there are a number of ways to do so:

• Visit www.paypal.me/AuroraFossilMuseum, www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1278368 or www.aurorafossilmuseumstore.com/products/roof-repair-campaign.
• Make a credit card donation over the phone at 252-322-4238.
• Mail a check to Aurora Fossil Museum, P.O. Box 352, Aurora, NC 27806.
• Donate in person at the museum.

Crane says donations made in excess of the $20,000 goal will be placed in a special capital fund earmarked for future building repairs. While the 501(c)3 does receive some assistance from Nutrien and the state government for operational costs, Crane says the museum is trying to raise money for the roof from other sources.

“This museum means a lot to everybody, so we need to keep it going,” Crane concluded.

For more information on the Aurora Fossil Museum, visit www.aurorafossilmuseum.org.