collection of mosasaur bones

UNRAVELING
THE UNKNOWN

Welcome to The University of Alabama Museums Research & Collections!

We oversee the management and curation of the collections of the The University of Alabama Museums Research & Collections and develop interdisciplinary research programs focusing on museum-based research. An increasing portion of our collections can be found in our online database.

COLLECTIONS

NEWS

A collection of fossilized shells, arranged in rows on a textured surface. A blue ruler is placed at the bottom for scale. The text in the image reads "UAMRG: Paleo 11288, Agaronia alabamensis, Eocene (Bartonian), Gosport Sand, Alabama."

Major paleontology digitization project completed

In 2021, The University of Alabama Museums Research & Collections received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to digitize the historic part of the catalogued invertebrate paleontology collection. The project was led by Curator of Paleontology Dr. Adiel Klompmaker while Chief Curator Dr. John Abbott provided support. Eight student interns helped with project, which ended in March 2026. Fossils were rehoused into plastic vials, boxes, and plastic bags. The associated data was verified and updated to […]

New fossil sea snake genus and species for Alabama

Alabama’s fossil snake record is very scant. After more than 150 years of collecting, less than 20 records are present in the paleontology collection of The University of Alabama Museums Research & Collections (UAMRC). These records consist almost exclusively of single vertebra, ranging in age from ~50 to 1 million years old. In 2024, UAMRC Curator of Paleontology Dr. Adiel Klompmaker found seven well-preserved vertebrae laying on the surface close to each other at a site in Alabama. Some were […]

A vibrant abstract painting featuring dynamic blends of bright yellow, deep orange, intense blue, and hints of black. The textured surface creates a sense of movement and energy.

Biophilia: Designed by Nature

The Paul R. Jones Museum (PRJM) presents Biophilia: Designed by Nature, a collaborative exhibition with The University of Alabama Museums’ Department of Museum Research & Collections. The show will run from March 6 – April 22, 2026, with a reception on First Friday, March 6, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Please note that the Paul R. Jones Museum will be closed for Spring Break (March 16-20). Biophilia pairs work from the Paul R. Jones Collection with pieces from collections managed by The University of Alabama Museums’ […]

Close-up photograph of a sea urchin shell showing its textured, dotted surface and symmetrical pattern, with a scale of 5.0 mm displayed below for size reference.

Fossil arthropods feature in special journal issue

Arthropods such as insects and crustaceans are the most diverse animal group living today. Likewise, their fossil record is very rich starting ~540 million years ago when they first appeared in marine rocks. In October 2025, a special issue dedicated to arthropod paleontology was published in one of the main journals in paleontology, the Journal of Paleontology. This special issue not only presents brand-new research but also honors the late Dr. Rodney Feldmann, a leading arthropod paleontologist who wrote more […]

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UA Museums wants your feedback!

This survey is for individuals who have visited or interacted with one of The University of Alabama Museums within the past five years.

The University of Alabama Museums is a museum system that includes four public museums (Alabama Museum of Natural History, Moundville Archaeological Park, Paul W. Bryant Museum, and Gorgas House Museum), the Discovering Alabama television series, The University of Alabama Museums Research & Collections and the Office of Archaeological Research. Your responses will help shape goals for the Museums over the next 5–7 years. The survey should take less than 10 minutes.
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mosasaur bones