Exploring Fossils & Fun: Marjean Cone, New Education Curator at GS Museum, Unveils Vision for Community Engagement

Marjean Cone, the new Curator of Education at the Georgia Southern Museum, is on a mission to make learning about history and science fun and interactive. With a background in paleontology, she wants to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in exciting ways.

Originally from Chicago, Marjean has a degree in geology from the University of Illinois and a master’s from the University of Georgia, where she studied ancient plant communities. Her love for paleontology has taken her across the globe, from Australia to Ecuador, where she led paleontology camps. These camps were key in shaping her understanding of the importance of education. “Research is great, but if you can’t share it, what’s the point?” she said.

Marjean’s passion for paleontology ignited at a young age. She recalls attending a paleontology camp in Kansas as a high school student, where she helped excavate a Mosasaurus fossil at just 16 years old. “That was the moment I knew this was my path,” she shared.

At the museum, Marjean manages natural history and cultural collections and oversees the annual changing exhibit, which collaborates with local graphic design students. She works closely with her small team, which includes Dr. Brent Tharp and Lashanda Hicks-Griffin. “In a small museum, everyone does a bit of everything. It creates a wonderful team spirit,” she noted.

Community engagement plays a big role in Marjean’s strategy. Recently, she developed the “Monsters and Mad Scientists” program, inspired by the museum’s popular Shark Week. “Pop culture references are a great way to draw people in. If we can make it fun and relatable, we can connect them with our resources and programs,” she explained.

Marjean is focused on reaching more people. She plans to enhance the museum’s social media presence, create events for college students, and participate in local STEM nights. One exciting initiative is her partnership with the Statesboro Kiwanis Club for Project Eaglet, a program that brings K-5 students to various educational spaces, including the museum and planetarium.

“My goal is to welcome people who have never visited before. I want them to touch the fossils and join in guided tours. I believe once they experience it, they’ll walk away inspired or with a newfound passion,” Marjean said.

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