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The pursuit of new discoveries and revealing more stories about the world of the Kimmeridgian is a constant for fossil collector Steve Etches. That’s why the museum has been designed not only as a home for his growing collection of Jurassic marine creatures but also as an inspiring centre for learning, debate and study.
£4.7m has been raised by us to create a museum and learning centre in Kimmeridge on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast which opened to the public on the 21st October 2016.
Funding is continually needed to equip and resource the museum’s participatory learning and activity centre so that we can provide a full programme of educational and cultural events, digital outreach, family activities, workshops, academic research, apprenticeships and seminars, but also to continue to expand the museum fossil collection with brand new exhibits and new stories of life in Jurassic seas.
Please support this unique opportunity to allow us to continue to develop a world-class facility for interactive learning and discovery, furthering understanding and appreciation of the fascinating marine creatures that lived 150 million years ago and their relevance to life today.
Tell your friends
Julia
I visited the museum last week with my family and we were so impressed with what Steve and his team have achieved that we wanted to donate a little bit to help him continue his work. It would be fantastic if he could find the rest of the Pliosaur in the cliffs at Kimmeridge!
Anonymous
We saw the BBC documentary and loved what you are doing. Will visit soon.
Julia Schick
I saw a video about the giant "sea rex" and wanted to help. Good luck with getting it out of there!
Dani
I Like Dinosaurs and want to support the museum
Tricia J Stevens
Paleontology is a study of the past, for our future.
Anonymous
Keep up the good work, it’s totally fascinating.
PETER
I am keen to support this superb museum and the wonderful work of Steve Etches.
Rebecca
Paleontology is mind-bendingly fascinating and I'm delighted for you on your acquisition of the incredible pliosaur skull! Can't wait to see it in person (lifelong dinosaur and marine reptile enthusiast) and I hope it inspires many more people to appreciate the wonders of the Jurassic sea.
Mandy
Glad to be able to help again. Keep up the good work.
Anonymous
Independent research endeavours are incredible, and the encouragement given by the museum to young people will inspire them for the future care of our planet. Such an exciting project!
Richard & Sandra Brown
To support the great work of Steve and all at this wonderful museum.
Colin
Visiting Kimmeridge delighted to support this museum.
Emma
Thank you for such an amazing day yesterday.
Anonymous
With thanks from Dan Snow
Anonymous
On behalf of a Lady called Tessa who use to live in the village.
Anonymous
To support a cause that a friend appreciates
Nicholas
A birthday gift/request for my old friend Richard Forrest
David and Kathleen Owens
Our visit to the Etches Collection in September was the highlight of a two-week vacation to the UK from Canada. The Jurassic marine fossil collection itself is world-class and the display information is deeply informative, intelligent and thought provoking. This museum is a 'gem' and deserving of wider support and recognition, especially given the scientific and historical value of the Kimmeridge Clay Formation to the UK oil industry.
And, most importantly, our donation recognizes the legacy of Steve Etch
Anonymous
On behalf of Steve Snowball and Craig Chivers for sales of their East Dorset Coast Fossils book (royalties).
ZOIC PalaeoTech
Keep up the amazing work - we ADORE The Etches Collection! This donation represents the share of the profits from our 2022 'Fossils' Calendar, with photographs submitted and voted on by the international fossiling community.
Mandy
I am a former curator of vertebrate palaeontology and in retirement enjoy supporting the discipline and those who work in it.
Anonymous
Supporting the unique Etches Collection.
Anonymous
As a Christmas present for my Dad
Anonymous
Well done Steve , just read your full page article in the Times .. Well done boss , I much enjoyed my days I spent hunting fossils with you I never found nothing but you always did ! I’m very pleased you’ve ended up doing what you love and have gained recognition for that .
From Foz Graham Foster
Anonymous
supporting the work of the museum
Jeremy
A really excellent collection, museum and collector.
Anonymous
This is a lovely, beautifully presented Museum with really impressive exhibits. We have visited quite a few times, on our own and with grandchildren. I really want it to survive and thrive.
West Sussex
West Sussex Geological Society had planned a visit in 2020 but since we couldn’t attend, decided to donate the entrance fee anyway.
Aubrey Whymark
I saw the Facebook request for support. I believe the collection is important and inspires future geologists and scientists.
Anonymous
Had a fantastic walk with Steve, and really happy with all the finds! Thanks again for a great day out.
Anonymous
It's a tough old world out there - and I would like places like you to survive
Anonymous
Following a memorable visit in September 2019
Robert
To all the Etches team. All the best and I hope this small contribution helps. Stay safe, be well and look to the future. Rob Mandley
Anonymous
Although I have not yet had a chance to visit the Etches collection, the collection is of world renown. It would be a pity is such an important collection of Kimmeridgian fossils would no longer be publicly accessible.
Anonymous
To help keep it open !
Neil
Kimmeridge Bay has special personal meaning for my wife and I. In addition the collection is remarkable and a tribute to the importance of the area in understanding the early history of the British Isles.
Neil
Kimmeridge Bay has special personal meaning for my wife and I. In addition the collection is remarkable and a tribute to the importance of the area in understanding the early history of the British Isles.
Neil
Kimmeridge Bay has special personal meaning for my wife and I. In addition the collection is remarkable and a tribute to the importance of the area in understanding the early history of the British Isles.
Anonymous
Independent and dedicated museums are vital
Julie
I have visited the Etches Collection. It is a fantastic collection and I would like it to be preserved for the future generations.
Anonymous
Because we feel it is really important that this collection should be seen by future generations and you were really helpful with our enquiry about the fossil that we found. Many thanks. Carla
Anonymous
Donated in memory of a dear friend and long supporter of the Etches Collection, Doreen Smith
Anonymous
Good luck! I hope everything goes ok!
Su
This museum should stay available to all.
Anonymous
A wonderful and scientifically significant collection made accessible by modern interpretation.
Anonymous
Best of luck with the campaign and thanks to the Earwickers for alerting me.
Heather Middleton & OCWG
Steve, I’ve donated £20 as a gesture of support from the OCWG for your scientific work and hope the Marine Reptile Conference goes ahead next year.
Anonymous
Unique museum one of many struggling in the current climate - good luck, hope to visit one day
Anonymous
Have visited the museum and very impressed with the displays and exhibits.
Anonymous
I had a message on Facebook from a friend sending your appeal video. I enjoyed my visit to the collection and it needs to be kept going to educate the general public.
Haydon
The Etches Collection is a unique source of palaeontological information. It provides curation of the Etches Collection and education which is open to all. What is there not to support!
Anonymous
To help you through these unprecedented times & enable you to carry on your great work for visitors to enjoy & learn.
PHILIP JACOBS
Steve is doing great work in preserving the fossils we have collected from the Kimmeridge clay.
Catherine
A fascinating collection so well set out in a lovely building, all in a beautiful and fitting location
Ray
I have visited the museum in Kimmeridge and I am aware of the fantastic research that goes on thanks to this collection. Steve is a great role model for children and his work with schools is so important to inspire future geoscientists.
Anonymous
As a Dorset resident, Kimmeridge is one of my favourite places and I have enjoyed visits to the Etches Collection.
Cindy and Barry Smith
We proudly support Steve Etches and his extraordinary collection. We have visited twice. In 2019 Steve kindly gave our group of WIPS (Western Interior Paleontological Society) members from Denver a fabulous tour. This collection, on site, is a national and an international treasure.
John
Keep up the great work!
PETER
We are very keen to support this wonderful museum in response to its covid-19 appeal.
Neil
Purchase of an ichthyosaur vertabrae - part of Andy's donated collection mark-up.
ross Williams
To hopefully help a little.
Anonymous
I greatly admire the work of the Collection and wish
Mr Etches and colleagues all the best.
Martin Bawden
Good Luck on the funding campaign
Simon Guscott
I love the museum and that it celebrates Britain’s Natural History.
Samantha
Keep up the excellent work! All the best from The Wareham Family
Anonymous
A fantastic museum, good luck for the future x
Kees Jongepier
Fantastic museum from what I can see from the website - hope to make it there one day!
Mike
A wonderful museum and a great experience for kids of all ages.
Mark
Really hope you can ride this out.
Anonymous
Best of luck with the campaign. Steve's fossil collections from Kimmeridge are quite simply amazing.
Elizabeth
The Etches Collection is an internationally important fossil collection and a great place for families to learn about, and be inspired by, the fossils of the Dorset Coast.
Alyson
A very worthy cause.
Natalie
It is a fantastic museum and a fantastic educational resource that needs to be protected
Carole
I love the Etches Collection and want to support it in these difficult times.
Siobhan
I've been following the Etches Collection on Twitter for quite some time; watching their progress from building plans, receiving the funding to build the museum, seeing first photos of the completed building, and then visiting the place itself three years ago. I loved the museum so much, and Steve identified a fossil for me which I found while on holiday in Lyme Regis. It'd be such a shame if this awesome place closed, especially as I've seen it grow from the start.
Anonymous
Best wishes for continued success. This a fantastic collection worth preserving.
Richard
A wonderful collection lovingly assembled by Steve deserves support so future generations can be informed and enjoy our shared history. Best wishes from The Dorset National Park Team.
Crysta
I love learning about ancient animals, and I can’t imagine a world where the younger generations can’t feel that awe and wonder in connection with the past.
Kevin
These are world-class fossils that derserve to be seen by as diverse a range of people as is possible.
Emily Roberts
Wonderful museum and education facility! Really hope that things improve!
Feiko Miedema
The etches collection and museum are extremely important to preserve specimens from a unique extinct ecosystem and to teach the public (especially children) about evolution, ecology and the jurassic sea!
Anonymous
It's a great museum and a wonderful national resource. It would be terrible if it were to close.
Richard
It's the best museum in the world and should be supported
Kimberly Clarke
Good luck, and looking forward to visiting your fantastic museum later this year!
Geraldine
I grew up in Purbeck and, as a child, remember walking in the first dinosaur footprints in a quarry. I’ve always been interested in history and fossils & this is a wonderful local museum which should continue for everyone to enjoy.
Anonymous
Still not managed to visit (!) but happy to support - my partner knew Steve many years ago and we're so pleased that the museum has become a reality
Tim
The UK's geological heritage is priceless, and collections like this should be retained for future generations.
Susan Passmore
I visited the Etches Collection when I was in UK on the Jurassic Coast in 2019. Beautiful museum preserving important fossils.
Anonymous
Because I think the Etches Collection Museum is a wonderful place.
Helen Etches
Hope to visit again soon.... sending positive vibes for your continued success
Corrinne
The Etches Colection is such an important part to our Jurassic coast
Anonymous
The Etches Colection is such an important part to our Jurassic coast
Sue
Good luck with your fund raising!
Anonymous
Would hate to see it close.
Lorna
Steve does great work. So many people worked hard to make a beautiful museum and I don't want it to fail.
Sue
I can't get to visit you this year but it is time for me to renew my entrance ticket, so thought I would make this donation instead. I miss you all.
Anonymous
Good luck, I hope you survive through these strange times.
Andrew
A donation to a very worthy cause
Anonymous
Wishing you all the best and looking forward to visiting your super museum when things are back to normal.
Peter
I believe it's important to support the village activities which is why I have made this contribution. I am surprised however there is no Gift Aid facility. This is a serious omission which should be rectified quickly. I can confirm that I pay more than sufficient income tax to cover the amount incurred by this donation.
Barry Philip William
We have visited before and we think that it is an excellent organisation which should be supported going forward.
Andrew
Best of luck. Hope to see you soon.
Patrick W M
Many organisations need support through these difficult time and fossils are dear to my heart and I sincerely hope the great Etches Collection will be available to my grandchildren to view.
Aline
Love the museum and it’ has become a vital part of Kimmeridge.
Lavender
Your museum is brilliant and we have taken lots of guests to visit, never a dull moment, the displays are superbly set out, making all your knowledge so accessible. Thank you.
Ian
Well done to all for your continued search for fossils and excellence!
Hope you can keep going for a good long geological time...
Philip
For the reasons you state plus Steve has been a friend for over 35 years
Anonymous
I've been interested in the Collection since hearing about it while on PESGB Council as Secretary, where I managed donations. Taken this long to get round to donating, and hope to visit sometime this year.
Anonymous
Thank you for the great visit and tour with Steve
Best
Diana