Geological Society honours Mary Anning by supporting statue campaign
4 February 2021
The Geological Society has become an official supporter of the campaign to acknowledge the life and work of Mary Anning (1799 - 1847) through a statue to be erected in her honour on the Jurassic Coast. Aiming to commemorate Mary’s contribution and inspire future fossil-hunters with her unique story, this support is in line with the Society’s goal to promote Earth science education and awareness.
Mary Anning was a fossil hunter and collector, who made many incredible discoveries in her home town of Lyme Regis, becoming renowned throughout the scientific world in the early 19th century. Mary’s work was ground-breaking within the field of palaeontology, however because Mary was a woman and from a working class background she didn’t receive the recognition she deserved during her lifetime. Regrettably, Mary was never able to join the Society as women were not considered for Fellowship until 1919. However, the foundations to our science were laid by countless dedicated and passionate geologists, just like Mary, who deserve to be remembered and celebrated.
Mary Anning Rocks, the campaign coordinator, says “We see the statue as an inspirational presence in the landscape where she worked, to inspire and show people, young and old, locals and visitors alike, that great things can be achieved from almost impossible circumstances.”
“We also strongly believe a statue for Mary will set in motion a wider debate, a discussion for all the forgotten women of history and their marginalised and forgotten contributions to the world we now all live in.”
To find out more about the Mary Anning Rocks campaign and how to support it, visit the website.
Join the Library on 9th March for ‘Mary Anning and the men of learning’.
Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite
Visit the online exhibition on Mary Anning featuring our unique archive collections.
Download our KS3 factsheet for kids learning at home during lockdown.
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