The Lauer Foundation was offered a rare opportunity to acquire the 13th known fossil Archaeopteryx specimen. Charles Darwin hailed Archaeopteryx as proof of the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds. The specimen was originally found in Bavaria, Germany and was unprepared, still enclosed within matrix, which would provide important new opportunities for scientific study. The Lauer Foundation declined the offer to acquire this specimen and made the determination that a specimen of such scientific and cultural importance must go to a museum where it could benefit from modern diagnostic testing and preparation methods, scientific study and public exhibition. We introduced this opportunity to acquire the specimen to the Field Museum, Chicago in 2018 as it would provide the museum to have two of the most iconic fossils in the world - Sue the T. rex and the Chicago Archaeopteryx.
The Lauer Foundation facilitated and supported the museum in this 6-year long effort to acquire, prepare and ultimately exhibit the specimen, which included assistance in their due diligence to see and document the specimen, contract negotiations, guidance and support, sponsored consultation with a leading expert in preparation of Solnhofen fossils, provided photographic documentation during preparation, and provided monetary support for the project. On May 6, 2024 the Field Museum unveiled the Chicago Archaeopteryx to the press and the public.
The Lauer Foundation is proud of its commitment to make important fossil specimens available to the scientific community for study and exhibition. We are particularly proud of our efforts to ensure the Chicago Archaeopteryx was professionally and scientifically prepared to provide the best possible preparation of this rare and iconic specimen with hopes that it will remain available for scientific study and public exhibition for future generations.
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