The Newbern Library will host two free programs on fossils, archaeology and natural history on consecutive Fridays, July 24 and July 31, at 10 a.m., continuing the “Unearth A Story” theme of its 2026 Summer Reading & Enrichment Program.
Attendees at each program will receive an authentic fossil, dated to 35 million years ago, to take home.
On Friday, July 24, staff from the University of Alabama’s Museum of Natural History will present “We Dig Dinos,” bringing pictures and samples of dinosaur fossils housed at the museum in Tuscaloosa and explaining how these remains tell the story of creatures that lived in the Black Belt millions of years ago.
On Friday, July 31, professional archaeologists from Moundville Archaeological Park will present “Moundville Archaeology,” a hands-on program exploring how scientists uncover bones and fossils, date what they find, and use artifacts to unearth the stories of past cultures.
The program will include pottery discovered at Moundville showing how Native Americans shaped clay for both functional and artistic purposes, and participants will have the chance to ask questions and interact with the presenters.
Both programs are free and open to all ages. They are made possible by a grant from the Black Belt Community Foundation.
