Collections

The extensive collections of the Museum of Geology encompass not only fossil and mineral specimens from around the world, but historical documents, photographs, equipment, recent comparative animal skeletons, and a library of books and maps. All of these materials serve as invaluable resources to researchers, and these materials are all held in the collections in perpetuity. Museum of Geology policy emphasizes the use of the collections by both researchers and the public, to educate and enrich our understanding of the geological sciences and our own associated history. Several forms of record keeping, labeling, and organization ensure that these specimens remain easily accessible, and that all information about them can be connected back to them.

Our collections come from two main sources: materials collected by faculty and staff, and materials donated by the public. These specimens can be put on display for public viewing, loaned to researchers in other facilities, or kept in on-campus collections facilities for research. What becomes of a specimen over its history in collections is carefully monitored by the museum Collections Manager, as well as a team of curators. In cooperation with researchers and the public, museum staff works to ensure that specimens are stable and well cared for, while they serve an educational purpose.

The Museum of Geology and the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering is very excited to announce to the public that funding has been secured for the construction of a new building on the SDSM&T campus, to house all of the Museum of Geology collections in a state of the art facility. The planning and raising of private funds for this project has been in progress for more than a decade, with efforts still underway to ensure that this new facility can be properly outfitted with neccessary equipment, supplies, and faculty. More information will be forthcoming about this building as plans are finalized. The image included on this page is of what the building will look like when finished. Unlike the current building used to house museum collections, the new facility will be open to the public, featuring large viewing windows into laboratories, and educational displays to add onto the displays currently housed in the Museum of Geology.

Also included for public viewing on this website is the museum Collection Management Policy. This document is a cornerstone of all collections activities, concerning everything from the acquisition of new specimens, to their public display, to their storage and care.

For more information contact...

Sally Shelton, Museum of Geology Collections Manager
SDSM&T Museum of Geology
501 East Saint Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
Work Phone (605) 394-2487