14

A volunteer group was established - the Brule Fossil Association, whose job it was to care for the exhibit, act as interpreters, and generally work with the public and encourage visits. Grants for Summer Student help were acquired, and after training they acted as guides and liaised with visitors during July and August





This Dimetrodon sign announced the original Brule Fossil Museum in the old Brule school house.

15

The site at the Creamery before the fossil exhibit was installed.
20th Century 1993
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia Canada


Credits:
Museum of Industry, New Glasgow

16

This situation worked for a number of years but there was insufficient space to expand displays in the old school, and this together with the possibility of more space at the proposed Heritage Centre, plus the cost of maintaining an old building in the winter, and the lack of Government aid, led to the decision to move to Creamery Square, where much of the Government 'heritage'monies had been invested.
The picture shows part of the ground floor space in the Creamery that was turned into the fossil display area.There was some controversy over the amount of space required. It was eventually enlarged at the expense of the Activity /temporary display area and the Creamery exhibit space, meaning that some important machinery could not be included in the Creamery section.

17

Trackway wall panels
Permian Period
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia Canada


Credits:
Creamery Square Heritage Society

18

A period of frustration and anger followed for the finder of the fossils, and some of his supporters. Understandably they wanted a 'say' in how the fossils were displayed, and often did not agree with the professional museum designers. Despite the increased space, no agreement could be reached, and disenchanted Van Allen broke free from the Fossil Association and had nothing more to do with the Heritage Centre. With the move to the Heritage Centre, The Brule Fossil Association was dissolved and funds and assorted books and games were transferred to the Centre.,

19

Fossil diorama
Permian Period
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia Canada


Credits:
Skyline Atlantic Canada

20

The diorama with trickling water sound effects and water looking so real children try to dip their hands in it - together with dimetrodon, seymouria and the dragonfly.

Another computer generated outlet helps children to pronounce the strange new words seen by the displays.

Around the walls there are cases with evidence of the seymouria tracks, together with illustrated plaques giving geological information.

21

Dimetrodon
290 million years ago
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia Canada


Credits:
Skyline Atlantic Canada

22

The 'hands on' computer generated trackways, the displays, diorama, and sound effects, certainly make for an attractive area within the Heritage Centre, but like all such exhibits the cost of relacement parts and special bulbs is very heavy on a Centre relying on door admissions, Gift shop sales, fund raising events and a little Government aid!

The recent replacement of all existing overhead bulbs with long lasting LED lights, installed free thanks to Conserve Nova Scotia - will certainly make a considerable difference - not only on bulb consumption but the fact that retired volunteers no longer have to carry long ladders around and climb high to replace several bulbs a week!



Dimetrodon - probably the top of the food chain in Permian times.