About this episode

This episode explores the art and science of museum curation at Petrified Forest National Park with curator Matt Smith.

Have you ever wondered how a museum is built inside a national park—or what happens to the fossils once they’re discovered? In this episode of Safe Travels, we go behind the scenes at Petrified Forest National Park with Park Ranger and Museum Curator Matt Smith to explore the art, science, and storytelling behind creating a world-class paleontological and natural history museum. Matt walks us through how fossils are collected, preserved, cataloged, and interpreted, and we dive into some of the incredible museum and research collections housed at Petrified Forest National Park. From Triassic-era fossils to curated specimens rarely seen by the public, this conversation sheds light on how park collections help scientists study ancient ecosystems while educating millions of visitors. We also discuss how museum exhibits are designed to balance scientific accuracy, public education, and visual storytelling, and why national park museums play a critical role in conservation, paleontology research, and protecting public lands. Matt’s passion for paleontology, museums, and the landscapes of Petrified Forest is unmistakable throughout the episode, offering listeners a rare look at the…

More episodes of Safe Travels

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• Dinosaur National Monument: Geology & Dinosaurs with Paleontologist ReBecca Hunt-Foster · May 15, 2026 · 1h 4m
• John Day Fossil Beds National Monument: Fossil Preparation with Paleontologist Jennifer Cavin · February 20, 2026 · 47 min
• John Day Fossil Beds National Monument: Geology & Paleontology with Paleontologist Nick Famoso · February 13, 2026 · 1h 49m
• Petrified Forest National Park: Prairie Dogs & Park Biology with Biologist Dylan Schneider · January 16, 2026 · 58 min
• Petrified Forest National Park: Route 66 & Park History with Historian Bill Parker · January 9, 2026 · 59 min

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