Since 1947…

Ulrich’s Fossil Gallery has been at the forefront of fossil excavation and preparation in Fossil Lake. An artist and entrepreneur by nature, Carl Ulrich, with the help of his wife and business partner, Shirley, turned what began as a hobby into an enterprise that would set the standard for fossil purveyors of the Green River Formation.

Carl was known far and wide in the paleontology community as as a master preparator, developing meticulous hand-preparation techniques that are still used to this day. His work can be found in museums, fine galleries, and private collections around the world, including the Smithsonian Institute.

Black and white photo of Carl and Shirley Ulrich sitting beside a massive fish fossil on a slab of rock mounted on an easel.
Carl and Shirley Ulrich
Carl Ulrich with a beard and glasses working on a fossil at a desk illuminated by a desk lamp.

Carl J. Ulrich

Feb. 15 1925 - May 12, 2018

Today, Carl’s legacy is carried on by his protege Michael Snively - a lifelong rock-hound who began working for the Ulrichs in 1988.

Mike says, “I was lucky enough to spend over thirty years working alongside Carl, learning his techniques and being groomed to carry the business into the future. He was not only my mentor but also my best friend and the best man at my wedding, and I’m proud to continue his legacy.”

Mike’s work can be found in museums and collections around the world, including the Chicago Field Museum and Houston Natural History Museum.

Fossil preparator Michael Snively kneeling in Ulrich's workshop, wearing a pair of safety glasses on his head, and smiling while holding a large rock slab that has a fossil embedded in it.
Michael Snively wearing a blue hoodie and khaki pants, with a headlamp on his forehead, kneeling down beside a large fossil of a plant on a wall.

Check out the videos below to learn more!