The Old School History Museum (OSHM) hosted Ashley Quinn of the William P. Wall Museum of Natural History at Georgia College & State University (GCSU) on Oct. 5, in its latest installment of “Sunday at the Museum” lectures.
Quinn’s presentation, “Finding Fossils in Georgia and the Largest Paleontology Collection in Georgia,” drew guests eager to learn about the state’s prehistoric past.
OSHM Director Sandra Rosseter introduced an Eatonton native, Quinn.
“I have known Ashley for more than a decade, and I never cease to be amazed at this woman and what she knows, what she’s done, and what she’s accomplished,” Rosseter said. “She has an amazing science background. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from GCSU and today oversees the largest paleontology collection in Georgia.”
Quinn has spent more than 20 years managing and expanding one of the most comprehensive fossil collections in Georgia, and her enthusiasm for paleontology filled The Plaza Arts Center theater.
“I have really built my career working with fossils. That’s been my love,” Quinn told the OSHM crowd before taking attendees on a journey through millions of years of Georgia’s natural history.
She explained how the state’s geology preserves evidence of ancient marine environments, forests, and even long-extinct creatures that once roamed what is now the Southeast. Using maps and charts, she demonstrated how layers of rock tell a story of environment and climate, relating to everything from five-hundred-million-year-old trilobites to evidence of cretaceous dinosaurs once roaming what is now known as Georgia.
Quinn also discussed the fascinating evolution of whales, which can be inferred from fossils found in Georgia. Whales began as hoofed animals, she said, and through extended time evolved into the large marine mammals we recognize today.
She also shared more about the William P. Wall Museum of Natural History. Though currently closed for building renovations, Quinn encouraged OSHM attendees to visit the museum beginning January 2027, upon its expected reopening.
Following Quinn’s lecture, Old School History Museum attendees were able to view some fossils she brought with her, as well as enjoy a free, fossil-inspired feast.
In addition to its “Sunday at the Museum” series, the Old School History Museum presents, with always free admission, a permanent collection of Eatonton- and Putnam County-based artifacts, though donations are welcome and appreciated.
The OSHM posts updates on lectures and other special events on its Facebook page and website at oldschoolhistorymuseum.org.