How to Make Archival Specimen Storage Jackets

Storage jackets are a great way to preserve specimens too large to fit in drawer-scale housings. The solution for fossils bound for cabinets, open shelves or even floors, these jackets are designed so that fragile specimens need never be without support during storage, study or even CT scanning. Made from archival grade materials they ensure maximum support over the long haul. In this workshop we’ll focus on Smithsonian style “clamshell” jackets made of plaster, fiberglass and polyethylene foam or polyester felt. Participants will get hands-on experience helping to make a jacket. This will involve long periods standing, potentially getting plaster on clothing, handling (with gloves!) coarse fiberglass mat. Appropriate PPE will be provided.

Photogrammetry Workshop: 3D Modeling of Holotype Specimens

Photogrammetry is advancing and becoming a major platform for surface digitizing in paleontology. Digital 3D models allow the public and researchers to visualize and interact with rare specimens that would otherwise not be accessible. The Vertebrate Paleontology department (Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County) has developed this photogrammetric project to showcase its type collection on an interactive public online platform, with the ultimate goal of increasing digital access to the vertebrate fossil collections. These 3D models of fossil holotype specimens (name bearing specimen for a new genus or species) can act as valuable resources for various educational and public outreach purposes, as well as scientific and academic research. The workshop will offer a practical overview of the methodological approaches and equipment used in photogrammetry within the context of our Holotype Specimens collection, as well as its scientific application to the curatorial process of fossil vertebrate material and for outreach purposes. Participants will be able to test different images, capture methods with a test specimen using their own cameras or smart phones, followed by a walk-through of the data processing of the model in Agisoft Photoscan. Participants will need to bring specific camera and laptop equipment them, and will need to have pre-downloaded a trial versions of appropriate software.

Wrapping and Packing Specimens for Shipment on Loan

Delicate and often irreplaceable fossil specimens are often wrapped, packed, and shipped on institutional loan to places all around the globe. Preparing a fossil for shipment involves assessing its current condition, creating long-lasting supports, and communicating best handling practices to the recipient. The techniques employed should be simple to execute so that the recipient can easily replicate the process when the fossils are returned. The materials in contact with the specimen should be inert, non-abrasive, and slow to degrade. Familiarity with the properties and applications of archival quality materials can be useful for creating barriers between the specimen and other supporting materials. Incorporating a mixture of recycled and repurposed items can also serve to further immobilize, cushion, and encapsulate specimens sent on loan. This workshop includes both lecture and hands-on components to inform participants about common mistakes to avoid and best practices to employ so that damage to specimens is mitigated. Whether you are a curator, collections manager, preparator or administrator overseeing a collections department, this workshop aims to equip people with the knowledge and skills to disseminate best practices concerning the evaluation, handling, and transfer of fossil specimens. Participants will leave with a detailed packing hand-out, references, and their packing sample.

For Students: Finding your community and building a support network- Monday, June 24

Finding your space and feeling at home within your professional scientific community is difficult, even more-so if you aren't part of the majority. We invite students to come get to know each other and start to build community. This lunch will feature a panel of paleontologists who speak from their own experiences as scientists with minoritized backgrounds and who offer tips and tricks for building networks for collaboration and support.

For All: Using Your Power & Privilege For Good- Wednesday, June 26

This lunchtime workshop invites people in positions of power (faculty, advisors, lab managers, and others) to build competencies and confidence for making real change in paleontology fields. The first part of this workshop leads participants in activities designed to explore and understand privilege. The second part focuses on developing practical strategies for addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in paleontology.