Project Results

For several years, an idea had been growing from our work in the field.  Perhaps we had another way of funding our paleontology research and field work.  Perhaps we could recruit people to come into the field with us, teach them basic field techniques, and generally give them a great experience.  There was no way we could have known just how successful this model could be, and in all the different ways.  It was impossible to predict how meaningful of an experience we could provide for our participants, and how meaningful the experience would be for us as well.  Don't believe me?  You don't have to take my word for it.  The success of this campaign drove bigger successes in the next few years, culminating in life-changing events in 2017!  Stay tuned!

About This Project

Since 2001 the New Jersey State Museum has conducted field research in Montana and Wyoming in an area that was the site of many famed expeditions. The Paleontology Field School will allow the backers to become field assistants for 6 days in July where we will find, collect, and document fossils such as dinosaurs, crocodiles, and turtles, from rocks of both Cretaceous and Paleogene age. To participate each backer must contribute $1300 which includes lodging and food.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

In 2014, in a seemingly remote and barren corner of the Bighorn Basin, New Jersey State Museum paleontologists and field assistants in the annual Paleontology Field School made a remarkable discovery. We found at least three partial dinosaur skeletons, including the world's most famous predator - Tyrannosaurus rex. This summer we're inviting you to join us in our excavation. You can help us dig up the skeletons and bring them back to our research labs for preparation, study, education, and exhibition.

See previous campaign.

What is the significance of this project?

Excavating these dinosaur skeletons will provide us a treasure trove of information about the individual animals themselves - how they lived, and how they died. They'll also tell us about their species in general and their relationships to other species, including those in eastern North America. All of this information will give us better insight into the region's ecosystem at the end of the Cretaceous Period, which may in turn help us to better understand the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. Even after our studies are complete, these specimens will help us engage countless visitors on paleontology, paleoecology, and many other science topics, for generations to come. We can only guess how many generations of students to come will marvel at and be inspired by these specimens.

What are the goals of the project?

This is a unique opportunity for you to join us on our 2015 dig in July. We will be out in the Bighorn Basin for 3 weeks starting July 12th. To participate it costs $1,300 per person.

You're welcome to join for 1 week or all 3!

July 12th - July 18th Sold out!

July 19th - July 25th

July 26th - August 1st