Vertebrate paleontology at the Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida: the past 60 years of research and education

Abstract

This paper presents the history and development of the vertebrate paleontology (VP) program since its inception at the Florida State Museum (name changed to Florida Museum of Natural History in 1988) over the past 60 years. Given the rich and ubiquitous 40-million-year fossil record exposed in Florida and general public interest in extinct life, it is not surprising that paleontology has continued to be a cornerstone of the museum. The impact of two aspects of this program is highlighted; i.e., (1) the “formative decade” from 1956 to 1965; and (2) the development of the VP collection and related activities over the past 60 years. VP has benefitted greatly from dedicated and passionate people involved in this program, including curators, staff, undergraduates, volunteers, and 80 graduate students. Other topics covered in this history include leadership, infrastructure, research, education, and outreach. Outcomes have included a collection that has grown to almost a half million digitized specimens, more than 15 million dollars of grant-supported projects, active, year-round field work, about 400 peer-reviewed papers published, and innovative exhibitions and public programs. The unique identity of the VP program and its recognition among peers both nationally and internationally results from the positive influences of these foundational core and related activities over the past 60 years.