The department’s Eryops skeleton has returned to the Natural History Building and now has a home outside the “Geology row” faculty offices on the 3rd floor!  This plaster replica graced the second floor north foyer for many decades.  It was removed to make way for the major NHB renovation (2014-2017).  Prior to brining it back into NHB, the fragile skeleton was cleaned and repaired, and a new case was built.  The cleaning and repair work were done by Christa Deacy-Quinn, Collections Manager at the Spurlock Museum and Jared Thomas, paleontologist at the Illinois State Natural History Survey.  Scott Schimdt of the Illinois mill shop fashioned the base, and workers from the Illinois glass shop installed the glass panels that make up the new case.  Special thanks go to Christa and the Spurlock Museum for Christa’s time and expertise in restoring this treasure!

See the Spurlock Museum’s web page about this restoration project here: