79-3 The Beane Crinoid Collection at Beloit College: Exceptionally Preserved Specimens of Broad Scientific Value

Abstract:

Exceptionally preserved, articulated crinoids from the Maynes Creek Formation of Le Grand, Iowa, have provided key insights into crinoid taphonomy, arm regeneration from predatory attacks, taxon-specific organic molecules related to original pigmentation, and ecological tiering. Crinoids were first collected for scientific study from the Le Grand area in 1858. In 1874, a lenticular deposit of articulated crinoids formed the basis of initial taxonomic descriptions. Additional lenticular deposits were discovered in the early 1930’s; hundreds of slabs of articulated crinoids were excavated and prepared by amateur paleontologist B.H. Beane for his private collection. Beane subsequently sold the majority of his collection, with a portion purchased by Beloit College Trustee R.H. Solem who donated it to the college in the 1960’s. The Beane Crinoid Collection at Beloit College consists of over 500 slabs of various sizes ranging from dimensions over 1 m to 10 cm and containing 1000’s of articulated crinoids in total preserved in obrution deposits. Since its acquisition by the college the collection has been housed in various buildings and displays, half the collection has been inaccessible for nearly twenty years, and slabs have undergone disparate levels of study, curation, and additional preparation. 

The B.H. Beane Crinoid Collection at Beloit College is currently undergoing a renewed curation effort with the overarching goal of improving accessibility for teaching, research, and outreach. Slabs are being reassembled from multiple storage locations, and those that had been inadequately stored are being cleaned and assessed for damage using historical photographs. Future guidelines and recommendations on how to care for the specimens, storage suggestions that aid in the collection's longevity and accessibility, and ensuring the specimens in this collection are properly represented in our college fossil collection database are included in this effort. Current student research and class assignments are focused on documenting hardground features observed in some slabs. Additionally, various records including correspondence between Beane and Solem as well as relevant publications, dissertations, and theses are being compiled and will form the basis for an article in the college magazine as part of our outreach efforts.

© Copyright 2026 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved.