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P.O. Box 643 / 117 Main Street Hill City, SD 57745-0643 USA Ph (605) 574-4289 Fax (605) 574-2518 Web www.bhigr.com

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Company ProfileProfileFor well over a quarter century, Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, Inc. (BHI), has acquired and provided well-prepared fossil and mineral specimens, cast replicas and related media and information, to museums, researchers, and the public, domestically and around the world.

The company is owned and operated by brothers Peter and Neal Larson, and Robert Farrar, each an expert in their chosen field of paleontology or mineralogy. The staff is comprised of well-trained individuals, whose attention to detail has helped BHI establish a world-wide reputation for excellence. Noted scientists everywhere acknowledge BHI’s fossil preparation and cast reproduction skills as among the most highly developed anywhere. We count among our many clients, the world’s best known and most respected museums, educational facilities, and entertainment companies.

BHI has researched and explored new products and techniques for preparing fossils and casts, blazing new territory to achieve the only end result our founders are satisfied with... the highest quality original fossils and cast replicas available.

What makes our work exceptional?We believe that unless a specimen is to be displayed “on matrix” (partially exposed on the surrounding soil or rock) all the matrix should be removed from the fossil if it is possible to do so. This often involves painstaking, time-consuming work with fine instruments, but we cut no corners in our preparation work. The result is that the prepared specimen exhibits the rich texture of the original bone, often with muscle attachments, pathologies, and other areas of scientific interest preserved and visible for study. Our specimens do more than just look good, however. Because of our attention to detail and the care we take in

preparation, BHI materials are favorites among researchers who require fossils for study.

BHI also produces the world’s finest cast replicas of dinosaurs and other fossils. Due to the skill of our mold makers, and the quality materials we use, all the minute details, including areas of scientific interest uncovered by our preparators, are captured in the replicas we produce. In most cases, we have found that silicone rubber molds, while more expensive and time-consuming to make than many other molding materials, capture the best detail from the original bones. Durable, lightweight urethane resins also produce far better, more accurate casts than any other casting materials we’ve seen.

BHI developed the concept of “modular” mounting techniques for both original fossils and replicas, and has consistently streamlined and simplified that process. We do the hard work of mounting in our facility, so that installation on-site requires a minimum of tools and equipment, manpower, and time. There is not a single BHI mount that takes more than a few hours to

Photo Courtesy of Louie Psihoyos

BHI Owners Working on SUE T. rex’s Skull

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P.O. Box 643 / 117 Main Street Hill City, SD 57745-0643 USA Ph (605) 574-4289 Fax (605) 574-2518 Web www.bhigr.com

assemble on-site. Many can be installed in under an hour! Our modular sections are relatively lightweight, and we create and manufacture our own fittings, so that typically, sections slip together easily and are held with simple pins or bolts. Our modular mounts also make shipping simpler and less expensive, as the sections can be suspended inside relatively small crates that are easier to handle and store, and less costly to transport.

With few exceptions, our skeleton mounting is done one bone at a time, allowing our clients the opportunity to design unique, dynamic, scientifically accurate custom poses that show the specimen “in action”. If your space is confined, we can even design poses which avoid obstacles and make the best use of available space. Whether we are mounting original or cast skeletons, we take care to hide the steel as much as possible, so the support structure does not infringe on the quality of the viewing experience.

Why contact us first?BHI principals and staff stay abreast of new dinosaur discoveries and the ever-changing science of paleontology. We can help you plan your small or large exhibit and keep you informed regarding the availability of hard-to-find fossils or fossil replicas. We will supply many of the specimens you need, and will help you locate others. In some instances, we may acquire materials from others for you, and employ our own quality control methods to ensure that you receive the best “end-product” possible. BHI also stays informed of the legal issues surrounding original fossil collection and sale, and can help you steer through the complicated regulatory environment to be sure you have no difficulties as your project progresses.

Our primary objective is to ensure that your paleontological exhibit is a success. We look forward to hearing from you!

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