THE DELAWARE VALLEY PALEONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY: A HISTORY OF ADVANCING PALEONTOLOGY FOR EVERYONE

Founded in 1978, the Delaware Valley Paleontological Society (DVPS) proudly sustains and advances the rich history of paleontological discovery in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States. The DVPS was founded with a mission to gather and disseminate information relating to fossil forms, and the organization accomplishes these duties through a number of mediums and opportunities. Monthly newsletters, attendance at public festivals, and frequent fossil-collecting trips throughout the region are just some of the means by which the DVPS serves the general public, as well as its more than 300 members, including both professional and avocational paleontologists of all ages. Members also enjoy monthly meetings featuring a lecture by a professional paleontologist or knowledgeable member.

Perhaps the DVPS’ greatest contributions are to the advancement of academic paleontology throughout the region through publication, collections, scholarships and grants. The Mosasaur is the DVPS’ well-regarded, peer-reviewed, open-access scientific journal that publishes articles authored by, contribute to, and are of interest to professional and amateurs alike. Members frequently donate scientifically significant specimens to the region’s many museums. Funds raised through the DVPS’ Fossil Fair and holiday party support the annual Paul Bond Memorial Scholarship, which has distributed $17,500 to 14 regional paleontology students since 1997. Finally, the group also has distributed nearly $12,000 to 13 paleontology-related initiatives, including crowdfunding projects, research expeditions, and facility construction.

It is a shared fascination and love of the adventure that brings the DVPS’ members together. But there is also a shared sense of responsibility to advance the science that emanates from gathering, living, and fossil hunting in the footsteps of paleontology’s founding fathers.