Donors
Tom Thornbury
My interest in dinosaurs began at an early age, but never waned. I was especially intrigued by how dinosaur fossils helped demonstrate evolution and continental drift. In 1980 I first heard the Alvarez theory of a comet or an asteroid being responsible for the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago. This linked my life-long interests of astronomy and paleontology and heightened my curiosity even more.
In 1996, I spent two weeks on an expedition with he Planetary Society in the jungles of Belize with a dozen scientists looking for confirming evidence of the Chixilub impact. We brought back over 200 kg of geological samples that helped demonstrate the dynamics of the impact, its location and time of occurrence.
Several years later, I had the opportunity to sponsor and participate in field expeditions for the LANHM at a dig site in Montana (Thornbury Dinosaur Expeditions). Dr. Luis Chiappe was the expedition leader and over a three year period we collected a Tyrannosaurus rex specimen that will be among the most complete in the world when restored. Spending time in the field is the ultimate way to appreciate the science and romance of studying dinosaurs.
Carl Holland
My parents have taught me that I have a responsibility to my community by setting a good example. For many years they have participated and sponsored events at the local schools that I attended and the neighborhood park when I grew up. My parents also felt that it was necessary for me and my brother to attend concerts, festivals, and museums near our Los Angeles home. One of my long time favorite spots has always been the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. I was strolled through the halls before I could walk. As a young child, I attended Dinosaur Camp there. It was only natural that when it was time for me to fulfill my community service requirements that I would be drawn back to the Dinosaur Institute’s laboratory at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
As donors, my family was invited to attend a private tour by the Institute’s Director, Dr. Luis Chiappe, during a winter holiday break. This was the moment that changed my life. I cannot tell you of how exciting it was to be able to be in the working lab of a museum. As the cases were open and fossils were handed to me, I felt a need to know that this would not be a one time experience. To my parents delight, I was accepted as a Preparator in training in the Dinosaur Institute’s lab. This was the most exciting summer of my life. The museum has acquired through field work the fossils of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex that had been discovered to date, "Thomas" . Finding him was the easy part, preparing him for exhibit would not only be costly but time consuming. I spent the entire summer cleaning a rib and a foot bone, but how many other seniors in high school are given an opportunity like this. I developed an educational drive for the Biological Sciences because of this great experience.
For my high school graduation, it was decided that my party would take place in the Museum’s Rotunda and the main hall with dinner under the Dueling Dinosaurs. This was an event that I will never forget. Dr. Chiappe gifted to me a monogrammed rock hammer to use for field work. My parents decided that instead of buying a gift for me that in my honor they would make a donation to underwrite the cost of the next field expedition that was occurring in August. I was honored when the Dinosaur Institute designed tee shirts for the entire field crew that would be worn during the dig. This was now officially, The Carl Holland Expedition 2006!
During the first week of August, I joined the Expedition team in Casper, Wyoming en-route to Ekalaka, Montana. We made our camp on the land of rancher, Charlie Parks. The field experience solidified my profound interest in paleontology. This was my first time “roughing it” in the outdoors. It was a very positive, rewarding and enlightening endeavor. This was an experience that dreams are made of. It was hard work but so satisfying. The final inventory list included over 35 different samples that were collected and added to the Museum’s collection. I feel privileged to have been allowed to participate in such a life changing experience.
Overall, the experiences from these last two summers have enriched and enlightened me to a new world of possibilities for my future.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is further delighted to acknowledge Lynn and Doug Brengel, Carl and Lynn Cooper, Andrew Getty, Richard and Eileen Garson, Janice and Charles Holland, Judy and Ron Perlstein, Barbara Sanchez and Kazuo Nimori, Tom and Angie Thornbury, SCI Real Estate Investments, and the Museum’s Alliance for their generous contributions to the Dinosaur Institute.
