About Us
The Four State Museum of Natural History is an educational initiative with the long-term goal of establishing a permanent museum dedicated to paleontology and the natural sciences in the Four State area. In the meantime, we proudly offer our "traveling museum"- a mobile exhibit designed to bring the wonder of prehistoric life directly to communities. We partner with schools, libraries, museums, and other educational institutions to provide engaging and informative displays. Our full traveling museum currently spans over 150 feet of fossils, replicas, models, and interactive materials, offering a hands-on experience that both educates and entertains visitors of all ages. This collection is continually growing, with new specimens and educational content added regularly. In addition to our displays, we provide educational programming tailored for classrooms and public events, bringing dynamic presentations and curated content into your space to spark curiosity about Earth’s distant past.
While our primary focus centers on dinosaurs and the Mesozoic era, our mission extends far beyond that. We aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the full scope of Earth’s natural history- from the origins of life to the shaping forces of evolution that continue to impact our world today. As our collection and outreach expand, we plan to explore a broader range of topics including ancient ecosystems, extinction events, prehistoric marine life, and early mammals. Through accessible education and immersive exhibits, we hope to inspire future scientists, support lifelong learning, and promote stewardship of our planet’s natural heritage.
Our Curator
Brad Shelby is a lifelong resident of the Four State Area and currently lives in Miami, Oklahoma, with his wife and three children. Fueled by a lifelong fascination with dinosaurs and paleontology, Brad has spent years exploring museums, fossil beds, and active dig sites across North America, building both knowledge and personal connections within the paleontological community. In 2021, he launched the Four State Museum project with the goal of making science, history, and natural wonder accessible to people of all ages in his local region. Through the museum, Brad hopes to spark curiosity, encourage hands-on learning, and create a lasting resource that highlights the prehistoric heritage of the area while inspiring future generations of explorers and scientists.
Meet Bakker!
Our mascot here at the Four State Museum of Natural History is Bakker the Ceratosaurus! Ceratosaurus was a carnivorous dinosaur that roamed what is now North America during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 153 to 148 million years ago. Its name- meaning “horned lizard”- comes from the distinctive horns above its eyes and on the tip of its snout, features that make it one of the more recognizable predators of its time.
The dream of creating the FSMNH began when our curator, Brad Shelby, acquired a museum-quality replica of a Ceratosaurus skull. To his surprise the skull quickly attracted attention from the community, with people of all ages eager to see it in person and share their love of dinosaurs. As more visitors came to view the skull and talk with Brad about paleontology, the spark of an idea grew into a full-fledged vision: a local museum dedicated to natural history and prehistoric life.
As the fossil replica that started it all, the Ceratosaurus- fondly named Bakker- earned its place as the official mascot of the FSMNH. Bakker now proudly represents our mission to inspire curiosity, foster education, and bring the ancient world to life for visitors of all ages.