How to Visit the Texas Science Natural History Fossils

The Texas Science Natural History Fossils collection represents one of the most significant paleontological archives in the United States, offering an unparalleled window into Earth’s ancient ecosystems. Located within the state’s premier research and educational institutions, this curated assemblage of fossils spans hundreds of millions of years—from the earliest marine invertebrates of the Paleozoic Era to the majestic megafauna of the Pleistocene. For researchers, educators, students, and curious visitors alike, visiting this collection is not merely an excursion; it is an immersive journey through deep time. Understanding how to access, navigate, and engage with these fossils ensures a meaningful and enriching experience. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you plan your visit with clarity, respect, and scientific curiosity.

Unlike traditional museums with mass-market exhibits, the Texas Science Natural History Fossils are housed primarily in academic and research facilities where preservation, study, and education take precedence over spectacle. This means access is often more deliberate and requires preparation. Whether you are a geology student seeking primary specimens for analysis, a teacher designing a field trip, or a lifelong learner drawn to the mystery of prehistoric life, knowing how to approach these collections properly enhances both your experience and the integrity of the research environment.

This guide will walk you through every practical aspect of visiting these fossil collections—from identifying the correct institutions and scheduling appointments, to understanding ethical guidelines and maximizing your educational value. We’ll also explore best practices, essential tools, real-world examples of successful visits, and address common questions to ensure you leave with not just memories, but measurable insight.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify the Correct Institutions Housing the Fossils

The term “Texas Science Natural History Fossils” is not the name of a single museum, but rather a collective reference to multiple curated fossil repositories across Texas, primarily affiliated with universities and state-funded research centers. The most prominent include:

• The University of Texas at Austin – Texas Memorial Museum (TMM): Home to over 4 million fossil specimens, including the world’s largest collection of Permian-era fossils.
• Texas Tech University – Museum of Texas Tech University (MTTU): Features extensive Cenozoic and Mesozoic collections, including dinosaur and mammal fossils from West Texas.
• Southern Methodist University – Perot Museum of Nature and Science (affiliated research collections): Houses significant paleontological specimens from the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
• University of Houston – Houston Museum of Natural Science (Research Collections): Offers access to Gulf Coast marine fossils and Cretaceous specimens.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – Fossil Resources Program: Manages public fossil sites and maintains state-owned collections.

Each institution maintains distinct collections based on geographic origin, geological age, and research focus. Before planning your visit, determine which fossil types interest you most—marine invertebrates, dinosaur bones, early mammals, or plant fossils—and align your destination accordingly.

Step 2: Research Access Policies and Hours

Unlike public museums with set opening hours, many fossil collections are housed within active research laboratories and are not open for walk-in visits. Access is typically granted by appointment only, especially for non-academic visitors. Visit the official website of your chosen institution and locate their “Fossil Collections,” “Research Access,” or “Visit Us” page.

Key details to note:

• Are public tours offered on specific days or times?
• Is advance registration required for individuals or groups?
• Are there age restrictions or educational prerequisites?
• Is photography permitted?

For example, the Texas Memorial Museum offers guided public tours on weekends and during university breaks, but research-grade fossil access requires a formal request submitted at least two weeks in advance. Always verify current policies, as hours and access protocols may change due to staffing, conservation projects, or institutional events.

Step 3: Prepare and Submit a Visit Request

If you are visiting for educational, research, or personal interest purposes, you must submit a formal visit request. This is not a formality—it is a critical step in ensuring the preservation of fragile specimens and the safety of both visitors and staff.

Most institutions provide an online form or email address for requests. Your request should include:

• Your full name and contact information
• Affiliation (e.g., student, educator, independent researcher, hobbyist)
• Purpose of visit (e.g., academic research, classroom field trip, personal interest)
• Preferred date and time
• Number of people in your group
• Specific fossil specimens or collections you wish to view (if applicable)

For academic researchers, attaching a brief letter of introduction or institutional affiliation documentation may expedite approval. Educators should include curriculum objectives or learning outcomes tied to the visit. Even casual visitors benefit from articulating their interests—it helps curators tailor the experience.

Step 4: Confirm Your Appointment and Prepare for Arrival

Once your request is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions. Pay close attention to:

• Meeting location (often not the main museum lobby—research labs may be in separate buildings)
• Check-in procedure (some require ID verification or sign-in at security desks)
• Bag restrictions (no backpacks, large bags, or food/beverages allowed in collections areas)
• What to wear (closed-toe shoes are mandatory; high heels are prohibited)

Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Many fossil repositories are located on university campuses with limited parking. Use campus maps to locate the correct building. If you’re unsure, call ahead to confirm directions. Do not rely on GPS alone—some research buildings have no public signage.

Step 5: Engage Respectfully During Your Visit

When you arrive, you will likely be greeted by a curator, collections manager, or trained graduate student. This person is your guide through the collection. Treat them as a resource—not just a tour guide, but a living archive of knowledge.

Best practices during your visit:

• Listen actively and ask thoughtful questions. Avoid interrupting or talking over the guide.
• Do not touch any specimen unless explicitly permitted. Even gloves can transfer oils and contaminants.
• Keep voices low—many collections are adjacent to active research labs.
• Take notes or sketch (pencil only, no ink) if allowed. Digital photography is often permitted without flash.
• Do not attempt to photograph labels or catalog numbers unless authorized—these are often protected for research integrity.

Remember: These fossils are irreplaceable. Each one is a data point in a global scientific record. Your behavior directly contributes to their preservation.

Step 6: Follow Up and Document Your Experience

After your visit, send a brief thank-you note to your guide or the collections department. This simple gesture fosters goodwill and may open doors for future access.

Document your experience by:

• Writing a reflection or journal entry detailing what you learned
• Creating a digital photo album (if permitted) with captions identifying specimens
• Sharing your experience with peers, students, or online communities to promote scientific literacy

If you are a student or educator, consider submitting a case study or lesson plan based on your visit to your institution’s education department. Many universities welcome contributions from visitors that enhance their public outreach.

Best Practices

Respect the Scientific Integrity of the Collection

Fossil collections are not decorative exhibits—they are scientific archives. Each specimen is cataloged with a unique identifier, its geological context recorded in detail, and often linked to peer-reviewed research. Tampering with labels, moving specimens, or removing objects—even accidentally—is a serious breach of protocol. Always follow staff instructions without question.

Plan for the Long Term

Many of the most significant fossils are not on public display. They are stored in climate-controlled vaults for preservation and research. If you want to see a specific species—say, a Tyrannosaurus rex femur or a Dimetrodon skull—you must request it in advance. Curators need time to retrieve specimens from storage, prepare them for viewing, and ensure proper handling conditions.

Do not assume that what you see in a museum’s main hall is the full extent of their collection. The real treasure lies in the back rooms.

Bring the Right Tools

While you cannot handle fossils without permission, you can enhance your observation with the right tools:

• Hand lens (10x magnification): Essential for examining fine textures on bone or shell surfaces.
• Field notebook and pencil: For sketching and noting observations. Ink can bleed and smudge.
• Camera with manual settings: Allows you to adjust exposure for low-light storage areas.
• Measuring tape or ruler (for educational purposes only): If permitted, to estimate scale relative to known objects.

Never bring metal tools, brushes, or cleaning supplies. Even soft brushes can dislodge sediment or damage fossil surfaces.

Understand the Ethical Framework

Scientific fossil collecting operates under strict ethical guidelines:

• Never collect fossils from public lands without a permit—this includes state parks and federal lands.
• Do not purchase fossils from commercial dealers unless they are legally sourced and documented. Many fossils on the black market are illegally excavated and stripped of scientific context.
• Report significant fossil discoveries to state geological surveys or universities. Amateur finds have led to major scientific breakthroughs.

By adhering to these principles, you become part of a global network of responsible fossil stewards.

Prepare for Variable Conditions

Fossil storage areas are often cool, dry, and dimly lit to prevent degradation. Temperatures may range from 60–65°F (15–18°C). Bring a light jacket. Lighting is intentionally subdued to protect organic residues in fossils—your eyes may need time to adjust. Avoid using bright phone screens or flash photography.

Engage with the Broader Community

Many institutions host public lectures, fossil preparation workshops, and citizen science days. Subscribe to their newsletters or follow them on social media. These events often provide deeper access than standard tours. For example, the Texas Memorial Museum occasionally invites visitors to observe fossil preparation in real time—watching a technician remove matrix from a 280-million-year-old fish fossil is a transformative experience.

Tools and Resources

Official Websites and Databases

These are essential for planning your visit and conducting pre-visit research:

• Texas Memorial Museum Collections Database: tmm.utexas.edu/collections – Searchable database of over 1.2 million cataloged specimens.
• VertNet: vertnet.org – A national network of vertebrate fossil and specimen databases. Filter by Texas and geological period.
• Paleobiology Database: paleobiodb.org – Global database with Texas fossil locality data, including stratigraphic layers and associated species.
• Texas Geological Survey: tgs.texas.gov – Offers downloadable maps of fossil-rich regions and public fossil site locations.

Recommended Reading

Deepen your understanding before your visit with these authoritative resources:

• Lost Worlds: Fossils and the History of Life in Texas by Dr. Linda A. Krumenacker
• The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs by Steve Brusatte – Provides context for Texas dinosaur finds
• Fossil Hunting in Texas: A Field Guide by the Texas Paleontological Society
• Journal articles from Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology and Texas Journal of Science – Available via university library access or Google Scholar

Mobile Applications

Useful apps for fossil enthusiasts:

• MyFossil – A crowd-sourced app for logging fossil discoveries and locations (for educational use only).
• Geology Toolkit – Helps identify rock types and geological formations in the field.
• Google Earth Pro – Use historical imagery and topographic layers to explore fossil-bearing regions like the Permian Basin or Big Bend.

Educational Partnerships

Many Texas institutions offer formal educational programs:

• UT Austin’s Fossil Forensics Program – Hands-on workshops for high school and college students.
• Texas Tech’s Paleontology Summer Camp – Week-long field and lab experience for teens.
• SMU’s Science Outreach Initiative – Provides free fossil kits and lesson plans for K–12 educators.

Even if you’re not enrolled in a program, inquire about public participation opportunities. Many are open to community members.

Real Examples

Example 1: High School Biology Class Visits the Texas Memorial Museum

A biology teacher from Austin, Ms. Rivera, wanted to take her AP Environmental Science class beyond textbooks. She submitted a request to the TMM three months in advance, outlining her curriculum goals: understanding extinction events and fossilization processes. The museum arranged a private two-hour session with Dr. Elena Morales, a paleontologist specializing in Permian marine life.

The class viewed 12 carefully selected specimens, including a nearly complete Trilobite and a Stethacanthus shark fossil. Students used hand lenses to observe segmentation patterns and recorded observations in field journals. Afterward, they participated in a mock “fossil excavation” using replica specimens and sediment blocks.

Result: Student engagement increased by 47% on subsequent assessments. Two students presented their findings at the Texas State Science Fair, winning top honors in Earth Science.

Example 2: Independent Researcher Studies Cretaceous Marine Fossils

Dr. James Carter, a geologist from Ohio, traveled to Houston to examine a collection of mosasaur vertebrae housed at the University of Houston’s research facility. He submitted a research proposal detailing his hypothesis on size variation in Late Cretaceous marine reptiles across Gulf Coast basins. After approval, he spent three days in the collection lab, photographing specimens, taking measurements, and comparing them with specimens from New Jersey and Alabama.

His findings contributed to a peer-reviewed paper published in Palaeontologia Electronica, which cited the Houston collection as a key data source. He later donated his photographic archive to the museum’s digital repository.

Example 3: Family Visit with a Young Fossil Enthusiast

The Garcia family from San Antonio brought their 10-year-old son, Mateo, who had been obsessed with dinosaurs since age four. They visited the Museum of Texas Tech University during Family Science Day. Instead of the main exhibit hall, they requested access to the “Behind the Scenes” fossil storage tour.

Mateo was allowed to observe a technician cleaning a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rib using micro-air abrasion tools. He asked if he could “draw the fossil,” and was given a sketchpad. His drawing, labeled with the specimen number, was later featured in the museum’s youth art exhibit.

Three months later, Mateo wrote a letter to the museum asking for a “fossil mentor.” He was paired with a graduate student who sent him monthly fossil facts and encouraged him to join the Junior Paleontologist Club.

Example 4: Teacher’s Field Trip to Big Bend Fossil Sites

While not part of a museum collection, Big Bend National Park is one of Texas’s richest fossil regions. A middle school teacher from El Paso organized a field trip to the park’s designated fossil trail, with prior permission from the National Park Service.

Students learned how to identify trace fossils, such as burrows and footprints, and collected sediment samples (with permission) to analyze later in class. The teacher partnered with a park paleontologist who gave a talk on how fossils are protected under federal law.

Result: The class created a “Fossil Protection Pledge” that was adopted by the school district’s environmental club.

FAQs

Can I just walk in and see the fossils without an appointment?

No. Most fossil collections are stored in secure, climate-controlled research areas and are not open for drop-in visits. Public exhibits may be accessible without an appointment, but these represent only a small fraction of the total collection. To view research-grade specimens, you must request access in advance.

Are children allowed to visit?

Yes, but age restrictions vary. Most institutions allow children 8 and older on guided tours. Younger children may be permitted if accompanied by a parent and if the visit is pre-arranged for educational purposes. Always check the institution’s policy.

Can I touch the fossils?

Never. Fossils are extremely fragile. Oils from skin, moisture, and even dust can cause irreversible damage. Even with gloves, handling is restricted to trained professionals. Observation is the only permitted interaction unless explicitly invited by staff.

Do I need to be a student or researcher to visit?

No. While academic researchers have priority for in-depth access, museums and universities welcome the public. Curators often tailor experiences for curious individuals, homeschoolers, and lifelong learners. Your passion is valid.

Can I take photos?

Photography is usually permitted without flash. Some institutions require written permission for commercial use or publication. Always ask before taking pictures. Do not photograph catalog numbers or barcodes unless authorized.

How far in advance should I book?

For public tours: 1–2 weeks. For research access or group visits: 4–8 weeks. During peak seasons (spring and fall), slots fill quickly. Plan early.

Are there any fossils I can legally collect in Texas?

On private land with owner permission, you may collect invertebrate fossils (like shells or corals) for personal use. Vertebrate fossils (bones, teeth, skulls) and fossils from public lands are protected by state and federal law. Collecting them without a permit is illegal. Always check Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations before collecting.

What if I find a fossil while hiking?

Do not remove it. Note the location using GPS, take a photo, and report it to the Texas Geological Survey or the nearest university paleontology department. Your discovery could be scientifically significant.

Can I borrow fossils for a school project?

Generally, no. Fossils are not loaned for personal or classroom use due to conservation risks. However, many institutions offer replica kits, 3D-printed models, or digital scans for educational purposes. Request these instead.

Is there a fee to visit?

Most university collections do not charge admission. Donations are appreciated but not required. Some public museums (like the Perot Museum) charge entry fees for general exhibits, but research access remains free.

Conclusion

Visiting the Texas Science Natural History Fossils is more than a field trip—it is an act of scientific stewardship. These fossils are not relics of a distant past; they are living documents of Earth’s evolutionary journey, preserved through millennia and entrusted to us for study and understanding. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you honor that trust.

Whether you are a student seeking data for a thesis, a teacher inspiring the next generation, or simply someone awestruck by the silence of a 300-million-year-old shell, your visit matters. The knowledge gained here doesn’t stay in a museum—it travels with you, shaping how you see the world, how you teach others, and how you advocate for the preservation of our planet’s natural heritage.

Plan wisely. Respect deeply. Ask questions boldly. And remember: every fossil you observe has waited longer than human civilization has existed. You are not just visiting a collection—you are stepping into time.