3rd Annual Fossil Preparation and Collections Symposium April 29-May 1, 2010 Hosted by The Field Museum The Symposium and Venue | Preliminary Schedule of Events | Workshops | Call for Abstacts | Registration Information | Travel and Accomodations The Symposium and Venue The Field Museum is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago and has a long history of vertebrate fossil preparation.  It currently houses three operational fossil preparation laboratories, employs five full time preparators, and maintains an active volunteer program. The three day symposium will feature collection tours, platform and poster presentations, roundtable discussions and preparation workshops.  This is a distinct opportunity for fossil preparators to meet and talk with other professionals and volunteers in the field. Any questions or comments should be directed to the conference organizer Lisa Herzog at lherzog@fieldmuseum.org or 312-665-7626.  Suggestions for roundtable discussion are welcome. Top Preliminary Schedule of Events Thursday Registration, collection and laboratory tours, roundtable discussion Friday Platform presentations, poster presentation viewing, evening reception Saturday Workshops, roundtable discussion, dinner Top Workshops There are four workshops scheduled for Saturday, May 1st. Each workshop has a morning session and an afternoon session. Participants should select two of the four workshops to attend. We will do our best to accommodate everyone in the workshops of their choice and participants will be placed on a first come, first served basis. For more information on our workshops, read through the descriptions below or download our workshop listings in pdf format. Creating Temporary Support Structures for Preparation Instructor: Debbie Wagner, Fossil Preparator, The Field Museum Maximum Number of participants: 15 Description: This workshop introduces ways in which temporary supports are used to assist preparation.  From adding needed strength to using cradles for handling, we will look at and discuss several ideas.  Procedures covered are applying and removing waxy substances as well as non-invasive techniques such as small plaster jackets, self-hardening synthetic clay and rubber plugs. Examples will be provided and participants will receive an object in which to practice. Outline and Content: Waxy Substances: Applying a layer of wax can add well needed support. We will discuss the use of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and Cyclododecane. This technique allows thin bone to be prepared safely. Due to health and safety concerns related to ventilation, we will work only with PEG. Plaster Cradles: At times when the object being prepared is too delicate to be held, a simple cradle can be created in a matter of minutes. Materials needed are plaster bandages and a thin layer of foam or Tyvek. We will look at the best way to hold the specimen and practice making a cradle. This technique can also be used as a storage option. Self-Hardening Clay/Rubber: Blocks of self-hardening clay or rubber can be used to fill prepared areas when the other side also needs work. Once again, a layer of foam or Tyvek is used to protect the bone. While soft, the clay or rubber is molded into desired shape and left to harden. These blocks can also indicate where extra caution should be practiced. Archival Materials and Techniques for Fossil Preparation: Paraloid B-72, Labeling and Housings Instructor: Amy Davidson, Senior Principal Preparator, American Museum of Natural History, New York NY Maximum Number of Participants: 15 Workshop materials kit $20 (you can pre-purchase with your registration or purchase at the symposium registration table)*: Participants who purchase the kit will work with the materials included during the workshop, including a broken mini-flowerpot to be used as a specimen, three B-72 mixtures, archival labeling and housing materials. By the end of the workshop the participants will take away the specimen which they have repaired, gap-filled, labeled and housed; all with proper archival techniques. The kit will also include a loaded “Koob Tube” of thick B-72 for use in making joins, a labeled applicator bottle of thin B-72 for archival labeling, samples of cellulose fill mixture, silicone-coated Mylar, Mylar sleeves, samples of archival paper, Bristol board and Japanese rice paper, recipes, instructions, supplier lists and other items to be announced. *The purchase of this kit is optional but highly recommended. Description: This workshop will cover three ways that fossil preparators can use high quality materials and techniques to prolong the life of specimens and associated data. The workshop will make use of demonstrations and step-by-step, hands-on exercises. In addition, reference papers will be distributed in advance and discussed during the workshop. Outline and Content: Part I: Paraloid B-72: What is Paraloid B-72 and why is it considered archival. An easy way to mix B-72 using the Koob method and how to decide between acetone and ethanol. Thick B-72 in acetone for joins: how to make Koob tubes. Easy ways to clean jars and keep lids from sticking. How to use or counteract B-72 solvent retention time as well as softening and re-dissolving B-72. Bulking up B-72 for gap filling. How to encourage penetration and reduce thick, shiny coatings. Techniques for very large and very small joins. Making very fast joins on some porous materials. Participants will make B-72 joins and fills on their mini-flowerpot specimen using materials in the kit. Part II: Archival Labeling: In this section we will walk through Davidson et.al., 2006 “Assembling an Archival Marking Kit for Paleontological Specimens” available on-line in pdf format. A demonstration of techniques with participants labeling their repaired specimen using a B-72 sandwich method. Printed labels and pencil labels will be discussed. Participants will also label gelatin-capsules, plastic boxes, and plastic bags. Part III. Archival Housings: There are many ways to make archival housings- I will briefly discuss built-up techniques using hot-glue, the references provided and show examples of the materials used for those techniques. We will focus on cavity mounts made of cut-out ethafoam. These use no adhesives and allow liners, labels, photos and notes to be inserted into the ethafoam. Participants will create their own cavity mount using materials provided in the kit and will also learn how to include a small labeled plastic box in the mount and attach reference photos in Mylar sleeves and folded labels of archival Bristol board. Acid Preparation Methodology Instructor: Jim Holstein, Fossil Preparator, The Field Museum Maximum Number of Participants: 15 Description: Some specimens respond well to preparation methods designed to chemically dissolve the surrounding matrix while leaving the bone undamaged and in position. Specific characteristics that make this method favorable include: the specific type of matrix encasing the specimen, quality of preservation, and structural characteristics of the bone. Using proper materials, having an appropriate lab set-up as well as adhering to safety protocols are important. When care is taken and the specimen is treated properly, results will be optimal. This workshop will be structured with a lecture, hands-on embedding of a specimen, mixing of an acid solution, and discussion. Outline and Content: Acids: This workshop will focus on the basics of acid preparation and will include what an acid is, how acids work, and when acid preparation is appropriate. A basic overview of mixing acid baths and calculating concentrations will be covered with a demonstration of making an acid bath. Buffering agents will also be discussed. Transfer preparation: Transfer preparation involves embedding the exposed surface of a specimen into resin for permanent storage prior to removal of matrix surrounding the unexposed portions of the specimen. We will discuss transfer preparation specifically and use the transfer of Santana Formation fishes into a polyester resin/acrylic medium as an example. Acid preparation of non-transferred specimens will be discussed as well. Safety: When working with acids safety is an important issue. Proper ventilation, as well as avoiding skin contact is essential. Safety protocols in the handling and storage of acids will be addressed with a basic overview of an MSDS (Materials Safety and Data Sheet). Histology Techniques at The Field Museum Instructors: Akiko Shinya, Chief Preparator, The Field Museum Maximum Number of Participants: 16 Description:  Histology is a vital part of Vertebrate Paleontology in obtaining cell level anatomical information of specimens.  It is our observation that such destructive sampling is becoming more commonly used in research projects.  Over the past several years, Lisa Herzog has taken a lead in learning, practicing, and developing excellent methods in making thin sections at the Field Museum and her technique has become standard in our lab.  Using examples of her thin sections including whole or partial teeth, maxilla, dentary, rib, fibula, etc., this workshop will introduce you to the technique and materials on making thin sections through a lecture, demonstration, hands-on practices, and discussion.  Although everyone is welcome to attend, this workshop is primarily aimed for beginners who are intending to acquire equipment or have access to equipment but have limited experience.     Outline and Content: Introductory lecture: From preparation of specimens prior to cutting to embedding to polishing and viewing under a light microscope, the lecture will be an overview of our method.  We will also cover specific materials and equipment required for the process.  This includes embedding materials, size and types of slides, polishing materials as well as saws and blades. Demonstration and hands-on practices: Prior to hands-on practices, demonstration will be given to follow up the introductory lecture.  We will provide embedded specimen samples for hands-on practice, so that each participant will have an opportunity to cut, polish, and mount specimens.     Discussion: Post practice discussion on methods, prevention and solutions for potential problems.  We will review participants' specimens and discuss issues relating to technique that may arise during the workshop. Top Call for Abstracts The Fossil Preparation and Collections Symposium is a venue for sharing ideas, skills and techniques with colleagues in the field.  You are invited to participate by submitting an abstract for either a platform presentation or a poster.  Platform presentations will be either 15 or 30 minute time slots. Welcome topics include but are not limited to: mechanical and hand tools, consolidants, safety, exhibition, molding, casting, air abrasion, acid preparation, conservation, specimen storage, cataloging and record keeping, volunteer programs, funding, and laboratory management. *Deadline The deadline for Abstract submission is Monday, February 15th, 2010. Submission process All abstracts should be sent via email to symposium organizer Lisa Herzog at lherzog@fieldmuseum.org.  Please send as attachment in pdf format if at all possible.  Abstracts should contain: author name(s), title, institutional affiliation, address and contact information (phone and email).  Specify if you would like a 15 or 30 minute time slot or poster presentation. Abstracts will be reviewed and applicants will be notified of acceptance by Friday, February 19th, 2010. Top Registration Information Early registration is $75 until Monday, March 15th.   Late registration is $95 beginning Tuesday, March 16th.  Full time students can register at a reduced early rate for $45.  Please note that the reduced registration fee for full time students is only valid for early registration.  Late students will need to register at the full late registration rate.  Registration for social events only is $35.  The registration fee includes refreshments and lunch daily as well as an evening reception and dinner. Download our registration form (PDF). Top Travel and Accommodations Travel Chicago is serviced by O’Hare International and Midway airports. Both provide access to downtown via the Chicago Transit Authority rail system (known locally as the ‘L’ system). Visit www.transitchicago.com for detailed travel information. If you plan on arriving by car and will park at the museum daily, discounted parking passes can be purchased at the registration table. Accommodations The Field Museum has negotiated special pricing at The Essex Inn for symposium attendees. The Essex Inn is conveniently located within walking distance to the museum. Guests that mention Field Museum Preparation Symposium, for the dates April 28 - May 2, 2010 will receive 25% off of the current room rate. All discounts are subject to availability and must be applied at the time the reservation is made, advance reservations required, taxes not included. *Early Bird booking discount With a consecutive four night minimum stay, prepaid by December 31, 2009, guests will receive a $149 room rate plus tax for the nights of April 28, 29, and 30th and a $99 room rate plus tax for the night of May 1st. Early bird discounts are non-cancelable, non-refundable. Any reservation that is not pre-paid by December 31st, 2009 or does not meet the minimum 4 night stay requirement will be eligible for the 25% discount noted above. Essex Inn 800 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60605 312-212-8194 Main line 877-679-0658 Reservations www.essexinn.com Method of Reservations Individuals should reserve directly with the hotel by calling the toll free reservations number (800) 621-6909, fax number 1-312-939-0526 or e-mail Reservations@EssexInn.com. Upon making reservations a one night’s room and tax deposit or a major credit card is required to guarantee rooms. All major credit cards are accepted. Cancellation Policy Cancellations must be made 72 hours prior to arrival otherwise the hotel will charge guest’s credit card for one night room and tax of the guest’s reservation Complementary wireless internet Guest will receive complimentary wireless internet for their entire length of stay. Optional Charges / Services Parking - Valet parking is currently available at a reduced rate of $37.00 daily for registered guests. Prices are subject to change without notice. Parking is valid until 12:00 pm (Noon) on the day of check-out. After 12:00 pm, parking is subject to the garage company’s posted public rates. Rollaway Beds - If your group requires rollaway beds for your multiple occupancy rooms there is a charge of $20.00 per rollaway bed per night plus tax. Requests for rollaway beds must be indicated when making a reservation or we cannot guarantee availability upon arrival. Price is subject to change and updated rates will be charged at check-in. Top