BETHESDA, MD.-A new visitor center, housing interactive exhibits that trace prehistoric animal life during the Miocene era through modern laboratory analysis of ancient fossils, recently opened at the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and General Shale Brick Natural History Museum in eastern Tennessee . The exhibits, which showcase findings from the adjacent Gray Fossil Site, were designed by Bethesda, Md.-based Gallagher & Associates, one of the nation’s leading specialists in museums and interpretive centers.

The concepts for the 33,000-square-foot visitor center were created by a Gallagher team that included several designers with extensive experience in natural history museums throughout the U.S. Led by Gallagher Principal Patrick Gallagher and Senior Designer Greg Matty, the team worked in consultation with ETSU administrators and paleontology experts, who sought to create a lively and educational environment in which to display the university’s extraordinary discoveries.

The fossil site, located next to the new center, was uncovered in 2000 by highway contractors working on State Route 75 in the Appalachian region of eastern Tennessee . Determined to be late Miocene in age (between 7 to 4.5 million years ago), the site has produced multiple rhinoceros specimens, an alligator specimen, and many other fossils of fish, snakes, and other species. Discoveries also included new specimens previously unknown to the area, including a Red Panda.

“One of the challenges of creating these exhibits was that the dig has been ongoing, and new and better specimens continued to surface,” says Matty. “While we were in design, the team on site located a complete taper skeleton and several additional rhinos. As time went on, we had a lot more material to work with.”

The Gallagher design team worked closely with Phil Fraley Productions, a renowned exhibit fabrication company best known for its mounting of “Sue,” the most complete T. rex fossil skeleton ever found. Karen Carr, of Karen Carr Studio, Inc., provided custom illustrations. “The mounts of the articulated skeletons in the diorama are spectacular, and the illustrated murals are exquisite,” says Matty. “ETSU and its paleontology experts set very high standards for the exhibits, which are clearly reflected in the quality of this work.”

Visitors to the center follow the regional experience from prehistoric times through modern day scientific discovery and analysis. An orientation theater launches the experience, which then takes visitors through the Miocene era in the Appalachian region. The exhibits transition to the present, where visitors explore an interactive space that features a dig pit and can then take their “specimens” to a lab. “The entire experience is playful yet educational,” says Matty. “There is also a lot of scientific detail and information for the more serious scholar.”

“The center provides a hands-on, interactive experience for all ages,” says Patrick Gallagher. “It’s a great educational opportunity for an entire family, and reflects a completely new level of museum quality for the region. The Gray Fossil Site is an incredible discovery, and we hope that the center will really get people thinking about this unique history, and the ancient creatures that once roamed the land. I give ETSU a lot of credit for taking the initiative to turn this discovery into an amazing experience for students and the general public.”

In addition to Gallagher & Associates, the consulting team includes the architecture firm of Bullock, Smith & Partners and Vaughn & Melton. The exhibits were constructed and installed by EXPLUS. The content was developed by Sharon Barry. The lighting was designed by Ted Mather Lighting Company.