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About Us

In July of 1982, Dr. Shya Chitaley, a Paleobotanist at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, founded "The Fossil Society".

In March of 1997, some members of the Fossil Society formed a new club called the "North Coast Fossil Club" and became independent from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Today, the North Coast Fossil Club (NCFC) is an active group of about a hundred fossil collectors and enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.

The objectives of North Coast Fossil Club are:

1. To encourage the closer association of persons interested in fossils,

2. To promote the responsible collection, preparation, and study of fossils, and

3. To foster education in paleontology, geology and related subjects.

The NCFC usually meets the third Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m., usually at the Parma Snow Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library. Typical meeting programs include speakers on various topics relating to paleontology or geology, workshops on fossil preparation or identification, and what we call "The Collectors Corner". "The Collectors Corner" is a part of our regular meetings that is devoted to the fossils that members have brought to the meeting. A digital video system is used to project the images of the fossils on a large screen for all to see while the collector shares information concerning the fossils with the members present.

During the collecting season (usually from March through October) we organize a field trip for the fourth weekend of each month. Usually our field trips are day or weekend collecting trips to various parts of Ohio, surrounding states, and sometimes Canada.

Every January, we have an annual banquet, where we have a fossil display competition with prizes awarded, a raffle for the grand prizes and door prizes, and enjoy a potluck buffet meal.

Every July, we have a picnic which includes an auction of fossils and fossil related items. The NCFC supplies Brontoburgers and hot dogs, while members bring side dishes.

Every December, we have our annual Chitely Paleobotany Presentation and Award meeting. Club members are invited to give a presentation on any paleobotanical subject. The presentations are judged and the winner is awarded a fossil specimen and the annual Chitely Award.

The NCFC also publishes a quarterly newsletter called the Fossilphile. It features stories on recent field trips, meetings, news items, display and preparation tips, humor, a calendar of upcoming events, and more.

On the national level, the North Coast Fossil Club is a member of the Midwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies.

The 2010 NCFC officers, board members, and committee heads are:

Jim Supp (President)

Mike Bernosky (Vice President)

Craig Tipton (Treasurer)

Donna Cole (Secretary)

Carl Fechko (Member at Large)

Beth Krumhansl (Member at Large)

Glen Kuban (Member at Large)

Craig Tipton (Newsletter Editor)

Dick Cole (Newsletter)

Carl Fechko (Website)

Mike Bernosky (Website Art)

Craig Tipton, Donna Cole, Jim Supp, & Carl Fechko (Website Photography)

If you are interested in joining the North Coast Fossil Club, please complete the membership application. Members must sign the membership form and agree to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of NCFC, as well as our Safety Rules. NCFC annual dues are $12 for an individual or $17 for a Family.

You can bring your completed application and dues to our monthly meeting or mail them to our Treasurer, Craig Tipton, at 3595 Call Road, Perry, Ohio 44081.