Jerson J.A.P.K.

Joseph Burr Tyrrell

Jerson J.A.P.K.
Vernon Heritage Fair
Vernon, BC

Joseph Burr Tyrrell was was a geologist that accidentally found an Albertosaurus skull in Alberta but he was quickly overshadowed by other fossil hunters. When Joseph Tyrrell was a kid he had scarlet fever and suffered pneumonia which caused him impaired eyesight and poor health issues. When Joseph Tyrrell grew up, his father pressured him to be a lawyer but his doctor advised him to work outdoors, so he became a geologist. On one Trip to Alberta, Drumheller, while climbing a steep cliff he found a sharp thing, so when he mined around it he found an Albertosaurus skull. He soon sent it to some people and the first one saw said it as an already found dinosaur but when it was sent to the next person he recognized it as a distinctive species and named it Albertosaurus Sarcophagus (Flesh Eating Lizard). Joseph Burr Tyrrell soon passed away due to old age. Joseph Burr Tyrrell earned a lot of of awards and attention. He also got a whole museum named after him, (Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. Joseph Burr Tyrrell Affected the world with dinosaur popularism. 

What sources and evidence did you consult for your project? What different perspectives did they provide on your topic?

  • The Canadian Encyclopedia: Where he went and his wealth. 
  • Historica Canada Education Portal: Life and living. 
  • Canadian Mining Hall of Fame: Mining Career and geology. 
  • ‘Joseph Tyrrell” Wikipedia. 
  • Interview with Donald Henderson April 14, 2026: Ancient life importance.

What is the historical significance of your topic?

Joseph Tyrrell caused an impact in the world because he found a dinosaur fossil wich led other people to find more fossils. The short term impacts are Joseph Tyrrell in the spotlight. The long term impacts are the knowledge we know about ancient life before us, and the popularity of museums, attractions, movies and tourism. 

Why did you choose this topic? 

I chose this topic because I liked paleontology and dinosaurs because of how much they fascinate me. 

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