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For decades, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (FWMSH) has engaged its diverse community through creative, vibrant programs and exhibitions interpreting science and the stories of Texas and the Southwest. One of the museum's most iconic features is a skeleton of an Early Cretaceous sauropod called Paluxysaurus jonesi, named after the location of the dig site on the Jones Ranch in Hood County, Texas, near the Paluxy River. In 2009, the Texas State Legislature passed a bill declaring Paluxysaurus jonesi the official State Dinosaur of Texas.
In fall 2024, FWMSH received a Humanities Texas grant to support the collection of oral histories from individuals involved in the excavation and preparation of the Paluxysaurus jonesi fossils. Members of our grants team spoke with FWMSH staff about the organization's work in the humanities and their new oral history project.
Interview with Director of Science Collections Leishawn Spotted Bear, Science Collections Manager Christina Hardman, and Collections Assistant Bailey Ryan
Please tell us about your organization.
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (FWMSH) was founded in 1941 by a group of women educators to provide a unique learning experience for the youngest members of the Fort Worth community. It began with a small collection of donated natural history artifacts and specimens, which has since grown to an overall collection of over two hundred thousand individual items. The science collections represent the disciplines of zoology, botany, geology, paleontology, and human anatomy. The museum, historically a collecting institution with representative samples from diverse geographical regions, has recently refined its collection focus to concentrate on artifacts and specimens found in Texas and the southwestern United States.
Please tell us about your current programming and your recently awarded grant.
The FWMSH has actively participated in several excavations, uncovering dinosaur fossils across Parker, Hood, and Tarrant counties. We received a Humanities Texas major grant to support the collection of oral histories from individuals involved in excavating and preparing Paluxysaurus jonesi, the state dinosaur of Texas.
This project aims to document the human stories behind the scientific discovery, emphasizing the significance of collaboration and dedication in uncovering this specimen. By capturing the diverse contributions of museum staff, paleontologists, students, and volunteers, we will showcase the interdisciplinary efforts that bring such remarkable fossils to life.
The Science Collections Department is currently documenting the oral testimonies of individuals involved in the excavation of Paluxysaurus jonesi, which took place between 1982 and 2009. Digitally recorded interviews will capture the personal and professional stories, insights, and reflections of these participants. These recordings will create a comprehensive archive preserved at FWMSH. With participant consent, the oral histories will also be available online and integrated into existing exhibitions and educational programs, enriching the interpretation of the displayed specimen and fostering public appreciation for collaborative work in the humanities and sciences.
What is something you're enjoying about your current program?
This project provides us with the opportunity to present science as a human story, rather than just a set of facts. The personal reflections of those involved in the excavation help us illustrate the collaboration, curiosity, and persistence behind discovery. It's a powerful way to connect audiences with the people behind the work.
What we're enjoying most is the opportunity to humanize science. Scientific work is often overly simplified to just facts and figures, presenting only the final results. This project enables us to share the stories behind the science: the passion, perseverance, and collaboration that drive discovery.
What is the most important thing people should know about your work?
Preserving our natural science collections for future generations is at the core of what we do—but equally important is sharing these collections in meaningful, accessible ways. Any opportunity we encounter or create in which we can connect our audiences with the collections through exhibitions, the Museum School, and programs is just as important as the work we do toward preservation.
What or who makes your work possible?
The support of generous grant-making organizations is vital to our work. Funders like Humanities Texas, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the National Endowment for the Arts provide essential resources that empower museums and other institutions to undertake impactful projects and programming.
In addition to institutional support, our work is made possible by the dedicated efforts of museum professionals, educators, volunteers, and community partners who share our commitment to education, storytelling, and preservation.
What led you to a career in the humanities?
The journey is unique for each of us involved in this project. However, a common thread that unites us is our passion for encouraging others to connect with the world around them. Although we primarily work with science collections, each of us contributes different aspects of our backgrounds in history, anthropology, and education to strengthen our efforts in helping people engage with the natural sciences.
What advice would you give to a young humanities student or professional?
Be a lifelong learner. The most successful individuals in the humanities are those who remain open to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know everything—the willingness to learn and adapt is a powerful asset. Whether you're curating an exhibition, leading a classroom, or conducting research, your work will often involve translating knowledge for others. Embrace that role with curiosity, humility, and a passion for storytelling—and you'll make a lasting impact.
Do you have a summer reading recommendation to share with our readers?
The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann. It is a collection of accounts by people who make their living through the dissemination of books. However, their stories share a common thread: how the magic of books and reading has fundamentally changed their lives and the lives of those around them.