Friday, January 9, 2015

The Dinosaur Museum- Dorchester (On the Road in the UK- Part One)


I want to be kind here, so let me explain. I work at a private museum and know full well the limitations of creating something for the general public without the mechanisms public organisation enjoy. There is no copy or graphics department to have print up your scripting, nor are there the teams of professionals to help filter and create information and content. At a private museum there is usually one person and the best printer they can afford who, between serving at the front counter or talking to visitors, sits at a desk and bangs this stuff out as quickly and accurately as they can.
Next is the problem of the actual displays. As a private organisation very few government institutions take you seriously (or are sometimes outright hostile), thus any display you have found, created or bought. All of this costs money and the only money a private museum has is whatever comes through the door. Public institutions have the bonus of public funding and collections- often created over centuries of exploration and millions of tax dollars spent. There is no back room in a private museum where you can go and grab a few items collected by a scientist in the 19th century to create a new display- often all you have is already on show, and getting anything new can be a real struggle.

Location, location, location. A private museum does not have the simple support of a building supplied to them by the local or national government. Often these private museums may be in a building built for some other purpose (the National Dinosaur Museum is in what was originally a gemstone museum and is lucky for that reason); but the simple benefit of not having to pay rent- or perhaps only a stipend to the government who is happy to have the building occupied, cannot be discounted. Private museums have to rent whatever is at hand, and the cheaper the better, on a building likely less accessible to the public. 

Richard Owen under the stairs

 If you want your museum in a spot where the tourists are, this is obviously going to cost a lot, and budgets are always tight. You are also rarely going to have permission to adapt this building to your needs, it is a rental after all and the owner doesn’t want you knocking down walls or bricking up windows, so you need to adapt your displays to the building, not the other way round.

There are also limited opportunities for donations. If you are lucky locals fall in love with your organisation and rally to keep it going, but never in the way for public institution, which get the added bonus of being in the public eye. Government funding means government advertising as well, and co-operation between public institutions at a level a private museum only dream of. They also have far more access to grants- and all of this is often on top of an admission charge just like a private museum.

 I really do sympathise…
 …that said. In 2008 we were completing a circumnavigation of the UK and stopping at as many of the locations I had spent my childhood reading about as possible. Just the idea of taking a car and driving much of the coastline of the islands brought gasps of horror from many of the locals I had befriended. For some English traveling is something you do overseas, not within your own country, so driving to the next town, much less the next county or country is something they just don’t do. The idea of driving from London to Scotland (a journey of around 7 hours) is staggering to them, and it was hard to explain that in Australia that’s how far it is to the local shops….ok, not true…but I live in Canberra and the next big cities are Sydney (a 3-ish hour drive away) and Melbourne (8 hours), so long distance driving is just something all Australians do.

A check list for a museum groupie.
Because of the strange L-shape of the mainland, we did this in two trips, with the first heading from London to its most westerly point, Land’s End. This journey would take us past Lyme Regis, a location all fossil fans will know (and a blog for another day) and a lot of great, ancient castles. The drive also took us through Dorchester.
Before any drive I do my homework as there is nothing worse than getting home and realising you missed something cool or important that had been near your path, but you had been unaware of at the time. A number of the smaller, ‘boutique’ museums I have visited only happened because I looked for what was in the area we’d be visiting and working out beforehand how I could fit it into our route.
I know this all sounds obvious, but remote regions often have fewer roads and often you need to carefully plot out your path or else you could find yourself wasting hours of travel retracing your steps to get to these distant locations. This is also especially true if you are visiting places where the roads close due to seasonal weather (I’m looking at you Wyoming). 

Before any trip I sit down and draw out a map and work out the actual time needed to get places, both by distance and time. This map is always with me on the journey. I also have a note book with these details in it so that I can quickly write down notes that will be in sequence- this means at a later date I know exactly what order things occurred in, and perhaps reminds me of some information not in the thousands (and I do mean thousands) of photos I take.
It’s also a good idea to check closing and opening times and add these to your notes. For example sometimes a museum may close at 5, but last admission is at 4, or it closes at midday during the quiet season or is closed on a Monday, so you need to be aware of all these things or else you’re going to travel a long way only to be greeted by a closed sign. It happens. I missed out on the Venice Natural History museum as I visited on the only day it was closed, and worse, I could have gone the day before but had left it until the end of my trip. Italy is a long way to go not to see something, and it’s a lesson I learnt well.


You may have noticed so far I really haven’t talked much about the Dorchester museum…well I was hoping the images would say everything that needed to be said.

Ok, here we go. The museum’s own website claims:
Britain's original and award winning attraction, The Dinosaur Museum located in Dorchester, the county town of Dorset, only 7 miles from the Jurassic Coast is a great day out for all the family! Close to Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast. The Dinosaur Museum opened in 1984, in Dorchester, gateway to Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast. From the very beginning visitors loved its novel and innovative approach to dinosaurs, and it quickly became the Town's foremost visitor attraction bringing, over the years, millions of dinosaur hungry families and schools to the county town.’ 

A Dire Wolf's penis bone....you use what you've got!

The museum is small and many of its displays are handmade (read into that what you will), it is also in the UK, where there are very few opportunities to see fossils and dinosaurs. It does have some hands-on stuff and some older, quaint displays. It also has a fine shop with a lot of fossils and dinosaur models for sale.

One true gem the museum displays is a ‘Dinosauroid’. In 1982 the Canadian palaeontologist, Dale A. Russell, speculated that if certain intelligent dinosaurs like Troodon had survived the K-TP extinction, there was a chance they’d have continued to evolve into something vaguely familiar. They had large brains (for a dinosaur) and manipulating hands, suggesting their evolutionary path may have become a little more like an ape than a reptile, perhaps even allowing them to develop an opposable digit at some point.

Though the idea of a humanoid dinosaur has been debunked by many, it is still an interesting moment in palaeontology and creates a great talking point- and that seems to be this museum’s strength. Though they don’t have the enormous skeletons or cutting edge technologies of some of the world’s great museums, they tell the story of their local region, the Jurassic coast, and for that the museum should be applauded.   

Mary Anning,
who made the region famous.



If you don’t go in expecting the world, but a sweet experience of a museum with limited resources doing its best, well then it’s ok. Also if you are spending time in the region there is a 5 museum pass you can purchase for a number of institutions in the region (including a Tutankhamun and Terracotta Warrior display) , so this should alleviate any disappointment.




NOTE: My visit was several years ago and things may have changed since this time.
What is a UK museum without a Doctor Who prop?
The one photo that failed....sigh....
 

64 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Really a nice blog that will definitely help to getting more knowledge about Dinosaur.
    I appreciate your knowledge that make this blog interesting in the Children Museum.
    .

    North America children museum dino costume

    ReplyDelete
  3. thanks mate- there are many more to come :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice information, valuable and excellent write my essays design, as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration, both of which I need, thanks to offer such a helpful information here

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for sharing, nice post! Post really provice useful information!

    FadoExpress chuyên dịch vụ chuyển phát nhanh siêu tốc đi khắp thế giới, nổi bật là dịch vụ gửi hàng đi mỹ, gửi hàng đi úc uy tín, giá rẻ.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Museum with dinosaurs fossil is just amazing. You can also collect some animatronic dinosaur to give great look your museum. And also thank you author for this valuable article.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. https://europa-road.eu/

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great knowledge, do anyone mind merely reference back to it 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey what a brilliant post I have come across and believe me I have been searching out for this similar kind of post for past a week and hardly came across this. Thank you very much and will look for more postings from you. 대전1인샵

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks! Dinosaurier kuscheltier

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am happy to find this post Very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I Always prefer to read The Quality and glad I found this thing in you post. Thanks 꽁머니 사이트 추천

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey, this day is too much good for me, since this time I am reading this enormous informative article here at my home. Thanks a lot for massive hard work. IBCBET

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yes, I am entirely agreed with this article, and I just want say that this article is very helpful and enlightening. I also have some precious piece of concerned info !!!!!!Thanks. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  15. Well-Written article. It will be supportive to anyone who utilizes it, including me. Keep doing what you are doing – can't pause to read more posts. Thanks for the precious help. บาคาร่าออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  16. It is included in my habit that I often visit blogs in my free time, so after landing on your blog. I have thoroughly impressed with it and decided to take out some precious time to visit it again and again. Thanks. 오피아트

    ReplyDelete
  17. All the contents you mentioned in post is too good and can be very useful. I will keep it in mind, thanks for sharing the information keep updating, looking forward for more posts.Thanks ufabet

    ReplyDelete
  18. Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. joker

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. vrbet

    ReplyDelete
  20. It is a great website.. The Design looks very good.. Keep working like that!. เว็บสล็อตที่ดีที่สุด

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great things you’ve always shared with us. Just keep writing this kind of posts.The time which was wasted in traveling for tuition now it can be used for studies.Thanks เกมไพ่ออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks so much for sharing this awesome info! I am looking forward to see more postsby you! 먹튀폴리스

    ReplyDelete
  23. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Nice blog and absolutely outstanding. You can do something much better but i still say this perfect.Keep trying for the best. Sagaming

    ReplyDelete
  25. I was reading some of your content on this website and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up. algebra 2 textbook answers

    ReplyDelete
  26. Kbc official website list for information online like Kaun Banega Crorepati Lucky draw Winners 2022.Kaunbanega coror pati winner list 2022

    ReplyDelete
  27. Today Kbc lottery champ 2022 Mumbai 13 data files information online. Fortunate enough Winners 2022.Airtel lottery winner

    ReplyDelete
  28. Effective and reliable protection for your teeth The brush handle fits perfectly in the hand, is slim and beautifully made.Bedsheet online Price In pakistan

    ReplyDelete
  29. That is really nice to hear. thank you for the update and good luck. ทดลองเล่นสล็อต pg

    ReplyDelete
  30. i am for the first time here. I found this board and I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to present something back and help others such as you helped me. Nagaland State Lottery

    ReplyDelete
  31. The bedroom is the ultimate place to relax and get comfortable.Curtains online Price In Pakistan

    ReplyDelete
  32. We provide our clients with on time professional ground transportation in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.black car service in ny

    ReplyDelete
  33. Presently KBC has situated different procedures to Check KBC Lottery Number with no cerebral pain.Kbc head office number 2022

    ReplyDelete
  34. At Simplibuy we know how busy you are. You have a busy facility to run.Medical Imaging Supplies

    ReplyDelete
  35. Tahir termite service – TTS® is the largest independently owned pest control company in Lahore, Pakistan.Pest Control near me

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sony has been linked with KBC for the last few years. It has become a full-time partner of this gameplay. Kbc lottery winner 2022

    ReplyDelete
  37. Sony has been linked with KBC for the last few years. It has become a full-time partner of this gameplay. Jio lottery office number 2022

    ReplyDelete
  38. Kbc Sweepstakes Success 2022 listing for facts on line just like Kaun Banega Crorepati.Rana prtap singh whatsapp number Kbc

    ReplyDelete
  39. Salon is now proud to offer complete range of hair styling, facial skincare treatments and body hair removal services for men.Lavish Men Salon

    ReplyDelete
  40. Apne TV are very famous in every part of the world; people from more than 30 countries love to stream Indian Hindi Serials onlinehttps://apnetvserialz.com/

    ReplyDelete
  41. Our Head Office has created many branches of our customer care department in many other cities to facilitate customers.Kaun Banega Caror pati winner list 2022

    ReplyDelete
  42. Ultimately, that decision is down to you. Based on the information above, you can look at your goods and deliveries.delivery near abbots worthy

    ReplyDelete
  43. hire a driver for a day nyc NYcarservice company is the best black car service that is secure, reliable and comfortable for all your transport needs in New York City.transportation service new york

    ReplyDelete
  44. black car service nyc NYcarservice company is the best black car service that is secure, reliable and comfortable for all your transport needs in New York City.ny black car service

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks for this blog. Great information provided. I really appreciate your writing. I like the way you put across your ideas. Awesome, keep it up.
    Rent a Car Islamabad with Driver

    ReplyDelete
  46. very nice article.If you are frustrated with your content restricted website blocking then you can read our article about Node Unblocker, Even a child can use it to unblock the content of restricted websites.

    ReplyDelete
  47. It’s time to level up the game and hire a social media marketing houston to help you connect with the audience.

    ReplyDelete
  48. solution Driver Paris provides a solution of accessibility: Solution to specialists,

    company journeys, specialist occasions, unique event ...

    taxi service paris
    Solution Driver Paris provides a large selection of "Top of the Array" deluxe automobiles. All cars are furnished with natural leather inside, phone battery chargers, air-conditioning as well as are non-smoking.

    ReplyDelete
  49. At London Crisis Plumbing, we are a group of handymen devoted to eliminating the pressure London and More prominent London inhabitants face with their pipes. We offer a dependable, effective pipes administration that takes care of business consistently for our business and private clients. We additionally offer brilliant waste and warming administrations to guarantee our clients live serenely all year.
    Emergency plumber near me

    ReplyDelete
  50. Comfort Cars offers licensed and professional transportation services in Paris, making it easy and convenient to explore the city's beauty.
    At Comfort Cars, we are dedicated to providing exceptional transportation services in Paris that prioritize quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
    Paris Taxi

    ReplyDelete
  51. We have some expertise in confidential Air terminal Taxi Move Bristol with proficient and guaranteed drivers and quality vehicles following 10 years. Book your Air terminal Taxi Move Bristol with our basic and simple to-utilize booking framework and stay away from long taxi lines at Bristol air terminal. Bristol Air terminal Taxi Organization driver will stand by at the gathering objective. Our driver holding a marked card with your name, will drive you securely and easily to your objective.
    Taxi Bristol Airport

    ReplyDelete
  52. Discover the mesmerizing coastal landscapes and cultural heritage of Ireland's southwest with Rebel Cork Taxi Tours. The Ring of Kerry drive is a popular attraction that offers visitors a chance to take in the region's natural beauty and history.
    Ring of Kerry tours

    ReplyDelete
  53. The Ring of Kerry is a place where time seems to stand still. It is a place where the natural beauty is untouched, and the traditional way of life still prevails. As we venture through this area, you will witness the simple yet beautiful life of the Irish countryside.
    Full Day Ring of Kerry, tour with locals

    ReplyDelete
  54. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  55. your contribution has been invaluable to the success of the project.
    Your work ethic and commitment to excellence are inspiring.
    < a href = "https://aircondmaster.com/hitachi-aircond-repair/"> hitachi-aircond-repair

    ReplyDelete
  56. Planning your trip to Vienna and unsure of the best way to get from the airport to your destination? Let taxi Vienna airport price help you find the best transfer option.
    Whether you're traveling alone or with a group, taxi Vienna airport price can help you find the most affordable and comfortable transfer option from Vienna Airport.
    taxi Vienna airport price

    ReplyDelete
  57. At Airport Taxi Wien Austria, we prioritize your safety. Our vehicles are well-maintained and regularly serviced, ensuring a smooth and secure journey for you.
    Our minivans are spacious and comfortable, making them an excellent choice for long journeys or road trips.
    airport taxi Wien Austria

    ReplyDelete
  58. we understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient air conditioning system, especially during hot summer months. That's why we offer expert AC repair services to keep your system functioning at its best.
    < a href ="https://coolairexpert.net/aircon-service-selangor/">aircon-service-selangor

    ReplyDelete
  59. Your Private Chauffeur Paris
    service in chauffeur service paris
    is the best I've experienced. The drivers are professional, courteous, and always on time. I appreciate the attention to detail and personalized service you provide to each and every client.

    ReplyDelete
  60. With Comfort Car, you can leave the stress of traveling behind, as our reliable taxi service provides a comfortable and direct transfer from the Paris airport to Disneyland Paris.
    Our drivers take care of everything, ensuring a stress-free and comfortable transfer from the Paris airport to Disneyland Paris.
    Taxi Paris Airport to Disneyland

    ReplyDelete
  61. taxi paris airport
    Paris is a bustling city with millions of tourists and visitors every year. Many of these visitors arrive in Paris through its main airports: Charles de Gaulle and Orly. One of the most convenient ways to get to your hotel or accommodation from the airport is by taxi Paris airport taxi services are widely available and provide a comfortable and reliable mode of transport for tourists.taxi paris airport

    ReplyDelete