× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

Meet "Wonderful Weirdos" at the University of Montana Paleontology Center this Wednesday during a celebration of National Fossil Day.

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, the center invites people to the Charles H. Clapp Building to learn about fossils.

"Anyone who has interest in fossils or earth history should come by and visit us for National Fossil Day," said Kallie Moore, Paleontology Center collections manager in a statement. "The UMPC has been involved with National Fossil Day since it was established in 2010, and we love bringing the amazing field of paleontology to the community."

At the free event, activities include fossil identifications, tours of displays and research collections, and a chance to hear about research going on at the center. Started in 1898, the center has collected more than 50,000 vertebrate, invertebrate and plant specimens.

"The year's event will highlight 'Wonderful Weirdos' in the collection," said a news release from UM.

National Fossil Day is a project of the U.S. National Park Service. On its website, the park service asks, "Why do we study fossils?" and it poses an answer.