In 1874 in Como Bluff, Wyoming, American paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh came across a fossil he had never seen before. It wasn’t until he and his team finished excavating this mostly complete, but headless, skeleton in 1879 that the species was given a name: Brontosaurus excelsus.
This original Brontosaurus has been a centerpiece of the Peabody since the Museum first opened over 150 years ago. It has ignited the imaginations of kids aged 1-100+, inspiring many to become scientists and pursue the mysteries of our planet’s history for themselves.
The Peabody aims to maintain its legacy as a place of discovery—a place where visitors of all ages can explore the beauty of nature through art and science and uncover stories that connect us to Earth’s deep history. Support from our community helps ensure that our exhibitions, educational programs, and research remain vibrant, accessible, and engaging for all. For the duration of the Peabody’s 2027 fiscal year, we are inviting those of you who love dinosaurs as much as we do to be part of this legacy and one-of-a-kind display by adopting a bone in the Brontosaurus.
