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National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Voices

A tan-colored skull and spine sticks out of a sandy surface. The jaws of the elongated skull are studded with sharp teeth that are angled at the viewer.

This November, Be Thankful for Specialty Spirits and Ancient Sea Monsters

Tune into programs about “underground astronauts,” archetype-busting archaeologists and more with the National Museum of Natural History

Jack Tamisiea | November 16, 2022

A new exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History reveals how millions of years ago, large-scale natural forces created the condition for real-life sea monsters to thrive in the South Atlantic Ocean basin shortly after it formed. “Sea Monsters Unearthed” offers visitors the opportunity to dive into Cretaceous Angola’s cool coastal waters, examine the fossils of striking marine reptiles that once lived there, and learn about the forces that continue to mold life in the ocean and on land. (Smithsonian Institution)

Ever Wonder how Exhibits are Made? Here's Your Answer.

Exhibit writer Juliana Olsson and intern Myria Perez reflect on the years of work that led to the opening of "Sea Monsters Unearthed" at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.

Juliana Olsson & Myria Perez | December 7, 2018

A fossil sea turtle skull excavated from Angola’s coastal cliffs. A cast of this fossil will be featured in “Sea Monsters Unearthed,” opening November 9 at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. (Hillsman S. Jackson, Southern Methodist University)

Q&A: Sea Monsters in Our Ancient Oceans Were Strangely Familiar

Stunning fossils reveal that Angola's ancient ocean ecosystem was at once strange and familiar.

Anna Torres , Louis L. Jacobs & Michael J. Polcyn | September 18, 2018

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