Children can select an ocean shell from the Rodney Eakin collection to take home free.

Provided by Southwest Franklin County Historical Society

During the World of Wonders exhibit at the Grove City Museum throughout September, children will be able to select an ocean shell among the hundreds available, courtesy of Rodney Eakin, the exhibitor.

The shells are usually sold at shows where he exhibits but these will be free. A limited number of tropical shells will be available each day during the month-long exhibit, until the supply is exhausted.

Eakin said he is hopeful this will encourage area children to create a hobby of collecting something of interest to them.

The exhibit, which is free to the public, features a dinosaur egg, giant tropical bugs and moths, Mayan mask, fossils, geode stones, crystal and amethyst. One of the most popular items from his collection is a bigfoot cast from Washington state that was identified by a deputy sheriff. Hopewell and Adena cultural artifacts will also be on display.

The exhibit opens Sept. 2 and runs through Sept. 30 at the Grove City Welcome Center and Museum, 3378 Park Street in the Town Center.

Grove City’s Welcome Center and Museum is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon. Extended hours are planned during Arts in the Alley weekend, Sept. 19-21. Go to www.swfchs.org for more information.

The Southwest Franklin County Historical Society is sponsoring this free event.