COLLECTIONS RESTORATION AND REHOUSING AT DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT, UTAH AND COLORADO, USA

Dinosaur National Monument (DINO) was established in 1915 with the primary mission of ensuring the preservation and interpretation of its fossil resources. In 2006, the fossil collection was moved from its previous collection space and into temporary storage. In 2020, 6365 museum objects and specimens were moved into a new shared space at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum. During the move approximately 260 fossil specimens identified as in need of immediate care were evaluated for level of care needed and suggested methods and materials. Fossils determined to need housing were primarily housed using one of two methods. The first being cradles composed of felt, fiberglass, and FGR-95 plaster. The second being cavity mount style housings composed of an archival tray, bumpers cut from corrugated plastic board, ethafoam, and Tyvek. Specimens in need of lab work often required the removal of old prep material, such as plaster (varying origins), bondo, copper wire, and epoxy. These materials were replaced on a case-by-case basis with PaleoBond, PaleoSculp, epoxy, or B-72. Tools such as air scribes, pin vices, and dental picks, and brushes were used to remove the old material. Occasionally, liquids such as acetone and water were used in small amounts. The preparation of previously unprepped specimens was conducted using standard methods and materials in vertebrate paleontology. Over 209 specimens have been restored to a research ready and stable state. The collection is presently more accessible for research, interpretation, and public viewing than it was prior to the start of this project. The specimens are also in a better state of preservation. Overall, this project resulted in DINO taking a large step toward fulfilling its primary mission of preservation and interpretation. The fossil collection in its new state and facility should be preserved for decades into the future.