About Us – The Beginning of Prehistoric Fossils
A Family-Owned Fossil Business in Missouri
Indiana9 Fossils / Prehistoric Fossils is a family-owned and operated fossil business headquartered near DeSoto, Missouri, with a retail fossil store located in Branson, Missouri. For decades, we have specialized in real fossils, dinosaur fossils, minerals, gems, and prehistoric artifacts, serving collectors, educators, and enthusiasts worldwide.
A Childhood Fascination with Fossils
As a child, I (Merv) was fascinated by dinosaurs and dreamed of becoming a paleontologist. Life took a different path, and in 1981 I became a professional Paramedic and Firefighter. Years later, my childhood passion was rekindled, and I began collecting fossils as a hobby—one that quickly turned into a lifelong pursuit.
The Very Beginning of Indiana9 Fossils
In 1997, I decided to sell duplicate fossils from my personal collection to help support my growing “fossil addiction.” Around that time, I was purchasing Mazon Creek nodules on eBay and approached one of my favorite sellers, Brian, about creating a fossil website together.
Using Microsoft FrontPage, I built our first fossil website, which launched in late 1997. The site featured fossils from both of our collections, though we shipped separately. While the idea worked in theory, it proved challenging in practice. After about a year, Brian chose to step away, leaving me to continue building the business on my own.
Why the Name Indiana9 Fossils?
Although we are based in Missouri, the name Indiana9 Fossils comes from Brian’s original eBay user ID, “Indiana9.” By the time he exited the business, the name was already well-established at fossil shows and online, so changing it was not a viable option.
And that’s how Indiana9 Fossils from Missouri was born.
Growing the Business Full-Time
In 2004, injuries sustained during a rescue forced me into early retirement from the Fire Department. While difficult, this allowed me to focus full-time on growing the fossil business—and grow it did.
By 2010, my son Christopher joined the business full-time, with his wife Lisa coming on part-time. In 2011, we welcomed our newest “partner,” Christopher II, who grew up helping in the warehouse and traveling with us to fossil shows across the country.
By April 27, 2015, Indiana9 Fossils had become one of the largest web-based fossil businesses in the world.
A Devastating Loss—and a New Beginning
Tragedy struck in April 2016, when an electrical fire caused by mice chewing through wiring completely destroyed our warehouse and entire fossil inventory. Through faith, hard work, and the overwhelming support of family and friends in the fossil community, we began rebuilding from the ground up.
Opening Our Branson, Missouri Fossil Store
As Christopher prepared to start school, we realized traveling to fossil shows nationwide was no longer sustainable. Chris and Lisa proposed opening a retail fossil store—in Branson, Missouri.
After research, prayer, and determination, we purchased the perfect property and opened under a new name:
Prehistoric Fossils
With a bold T-Rex logo, the new brand quickly became a hit.
Our final fossil show was Tucson 2017. From there, we worked tirelessly—often until 4:00 a.m.—to build and stock the store.
On March 11, 2017, despite snow and ice, Prehistoric Fossils officially opened its doors, welcoming a steady stream of customers from day one.
Prehistoric Fossils Today
Today, our family continues to operate Prehistoric Fossils as a trusted source for authentic fossils, dinosaur fossils, gems, minerals, and artifacts. Christopher II still proudly tells customers that everything in the store is real—and he’s absolutely right.
To simplify operations, both businesses were consolidated into Prehistoric Fossils effective January 1, 2018. The domain Indiana9Fossils.com still directs customers to the same website.
Thank You for Supporting Our Family Business
We are deeply grateful for the friendship, loyalty, and support of our customers and the fossil community.
God bless you all,
Merv, Chris, Lisa & Christopher (Future CEO)
