Why are you so extra about a dinosaur?
Because we think it’s really cool. But it’s not just us. A lot of McCurtain County feels the same way. In fact, we wouldn’t have a dinosaur if it wasn’t for the ongoing financial support of the community. Plus, let’s be real: You’d be extra about a dinosaur if you had one too.
In all seriousness, Acrocanthosaurus atokensis (or Acro for short) is an important part of the County’s history. It’s not just the Oklahoma State Dinosaur. It’s also one of the most important fossils ever discovered. Plus, it was found right here in McCurtain County by two amateur paleontologists. As the largest institution of our kind within a 150-mile radius, we have a duty to be a little “extra” about Acro. In doing so, we hope to inspire future generations of paleontologists.
How is Henry?
Old. [Laughs] I’m still having a good time, thanks for asking.
Who is Henry’s favorite student and why is it Daniel Eck?
[Laughs] He is certainly in the top 103, but I couldn’t possibly pick a real favorite.
What is the oldest object y’all have?
The oldest “object” is a Clovis point, dating back 11,000 to 12,000 years ago (9 – 10,000 BC). Clovis points are some of the oldest, identifiable tools for humans in North and Central America. Archeologists have found biological evidence that predates Clovis tools by 30,000 years. However, that evidence is not associated with consistently identifiable tool kits.
(Note: New research published in Science Advances, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, describes the discovery of two new spearpoints in Texas that pre-date Clovis culture. However, some experts dispute both the findings and conclusions made by the writers of the paper.)
When will construction be finished?
It will never really be finished. I already have plans for a second floor, a restaurant, a shopping center, etc., etc. However, we hope to wrap up this current phase by the end of the year. Unfortunately, we can’t move forward until the glass that makes up our exterior walls is delivered. That shipment was delayed thanks to Hurricane Michael. This is the third time that a major hurricane has disrupted our supply chain in the past two years.
Do you have a burning question about the Museum that you want answered? Send them to pr@motrr.org or contact us on social media.