Paleontology Collection

Paleontology is the study of fossil plants and animals. The Olson Museum of Natural History paleontology collection includes the largest holding of Paleocene fossils from the Almont Site, North Dakota, a significant collection of Green River (Eocene) fossils, a small Eocene collection from the Powers Clay Pit Site in Tennessee, and miscellaneous fossils from around the world. 

pterosaur cast

The main part of this collection spans time and evolution from 65 MYA to 35 MYA (million years ago). The current collection contains about 10,000 specimens, with about ¾ of those specimens documented and recorded in Excel. Current work includes curating the rest of the collection.

The main part of this collection spans time and evolution from 65 MYA to 35 MYA (million years ago). The current collection contains about 10,000 specimens, with about ¾ of those specimens documented and recorded in Excel. Current work includes curating the rest of the collection.

Collection curator is Professor Emeritus Pat Zellmer

The UWSP collection of more than 400,000 specimens from ten scientific disciplines is a wonderful resource to the university community and beyond. The Museum is grateful to have the support of our dedicated faculty members who support our below collections.
More Museum Collections

Student Opportunities

Students have volunteered to work in curation (assigning numbers, taking measurements, transferring information, and describing and identifying fossils on each block) and some have earned bio 399 credit (which may count as experiential learning). Students’ schedules would need to be coordinated with when Pat is available as they work with her in the collection. Students interested in working in the paleontology lab should contact Pat at 715-677-4710.