PRI was founded as an institution devoted to the science of paleontology and its utility for solving geological problems. Today, most paleontologists use the fossil record to explore the history of life in the context of an evolving Earth. The advancement of paleontology and Earth science is a core mission of PRI and we fulfill this objective through a variety of research and educational activities.
Paleontological Research
PRI paleontologists use the fossil record to explore the history of life on Earth and connections between modern and past ecosystems.
Research Collection
PRI is home to over seven million specimens. These are used by paleontologists from around the world to address research questions.
Library & Archives
PRI’s library includes over 60,000 books and periodicals, most of which are related to the science of paleontology and related fields. The Gertrude Wolfner PRI Archive includes the papers and other materials of a number of prominent paleontologists.
Bulletins of American Paleontology
Bulletins of American Paleontology is PRI’s scholarly journal. It has been published since 1895, making it one of the oldest paleontological journals in the world.
Museum of the Earth
PRI’s public Museum of the Earth venue uses some of the most remarkable specimens from our collections to tell the story of the history of life on Earth.
Earth@Home
Earth@Home is your free online toolkit for learning about Earth and its 4.5-billion-year history.
Digital Atlas of Ancient Life
The Digital Atlas of Ancient Life is an online platform designed to help students, their teachers, and avocational paleontologists identify fossils and learn about ancient life.
Daring to Dig
Women have made important contributions to American paleontology, but many of their achievements have been overlooked. The Daring to Dig website tells the stories of past and present women paleontologists, including challenges that they faced and overcame and discoveries that they made.
Virtual Fieldwork Experiences
Virtual Fieldwork Experiences provide opportunities to engage students in Earth science field inquiry and to share local geoscience with the rest of the world.
Paleontology & Earth Science Education
PRI provides a variety of educational programs related to paleontology and Earth science.
Teacher-Friendly Guides to Earth Science
A regionally-focused series of publications designed to assist teachers with educating their students about Earth science.