Mary Anning

Mary Anning Chase Aux Fossiles
Dorset, England, 1811. Mary Anning, the curious and whip smart 12-year-old, spends her days on the shore digging for fossils, a talent and passion inherited from her father. One stormy day, her father disappears, leaving behind only a cryptic drawing. Without him, Mary’s mother struggles to take care of the family alone and decides to move to the city for more opportunities. But Mary doesn’t want to be separated from her beloved cliffside, where the secrets of an ancient world are just waiting to be uncovered. Ignoring warnings from her mother and the very narrow ideas about science and women preached by her teacher, Mary continues to pursue the mystery her father left behind, forever changing the world of science. Based on the early life of the real Mary Anning, who made her first major discovery at age 12, this tender, soft-hued story features a “punk, teen, lo-fi rock” soundtrack fit for this pioneer of early paleontology.

March 7 screening to be followed by Science on Screen®: Mary Anning and Other Real Life Fossil Fanatics
Without paleontology, we'd have no idea how we got here, how we fit in, and what we are. Mary Anning was a real historical figure who made important contributions to the development of paleontology with her fossil discoveries. Join us for this all ages talk to learn more about Mary's discoveries, what it's like to be a paleontologist working today, and even get hands on with fossil samples and more! With Alana Gishlick (Senior Museum Specialist, Division of Paleontology, American Museum of Natural History) and Carl Mehling (Senior Museum Specialist, Division of Paleontology, American Museum of Natural History). Science on Screen® is an initiative of the Coolidge Corner Theatre, with major support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

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