invertebrate paleontology

The Invertebrate Paleontology (IP) Collection contains over 30,000 specimens and is one of the fastest-growing at the NHC. Distributed in over 3,000 lots, specimens in the IP collection are housed in the basement of the NHC. It is accessible to both internal and external researchers. We are working to make our database of specimens fully available online, so check back soon for more information. With his work, Curator of IP, Dr. David Moss, plans to expand our holdings in mollusks of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains.

Notable Collections

Tony Gorody Collection

A retired Houston area geologist, Mr. Gorody donated his collection of primarily invertebrate fossils (but also a few plants and vertebrates) to us in 2020. This collection has strengths in the Devonian of upstate New York, and the Cenozoic of Atlantic Coastal Plain, tracking Mr. Gorody’s path to living in Texas.

James and Shirely Knight Collection

Proud SHSU alumni and passionate fossil collectors, the Knights donated their significant collection to us in 2022. Part of this collection formed the basis of their book “Eocene Fossils of Texas” published by the Houston Gem and Mineral Society. Their book is a prized resource for many collectors of fossils from southern states. This collection has strengths not only in Eocene fossils of Texas but also from other Gulf Coast states. Finally, it also has collections of many sites for Paleozoic and Cenozoic fossils of Texas.