Generations of Fossils: Explore the Tynsky Legacy at the RMGM Tucson Mineral & Fossil Tent Show 2026

Generations of Fossils: Explore the Tynsky Legacy at the RMGM Tucson Mineral & Fossil Tent Show 2026
By Rachel Ford

Tynsky’s Fossils traces its roots to the 1960s, when Sylvester “Switz” Tynsky and his sons, Robert (Bob) and James A. (Jim A.), opened one of the earliest nearshore sandwich-bed quarries in the Fossil Basin near Kemmerer, Wyoming. Over the following decades, the family expanded its quarry operations across multiple generations, contributing significant specimens to scientific research and museum collections. In 1984, Jim E. Tynsky further developed quarry operations on the Lewis family ranch, strengthening the family’s role in excavating fossils from the renowned Green River Formation.¹

At the Tynskys Quarry near Kemmerer, Wyoming.

The late Jim Tynsky was a third-generation fossil digger. He owned and operated a fossil shop & Quarry near Kemmerer, Wyoming, for over 45 years. He found the first complete 3-toed horse, “The Dawn Horse,” a Protorohippus venticolum (also known as Eohippus) at Fossil Lake in Kemmerer. It is called “The Dawn Horse” because it is a sample of one of the earliest known members of the horse family, a small, dog-sized mammal from the Eocene Epoch (approx. 55 MYO) with four toes on its front feet and three on its hind feet. Specimens like this mark the beginning of horse evolution from dense forests to today's grasslands from the Green River Formation. It is currently on display at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

“The Dawn Horse” on display at the Smithsonian, collected by Jim Tynsky in September 2003.

Jim was a pioneer and one of the first collectors to participate in the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show. The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, the core of the larger Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, started in 1955 as a small club event by the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society (TGMS) (rockhounds) in a school cafeteria, growing from 15 vendors to the largest gem and mineral event in the world, hosting over 40 independent shows annually.
In 2019, after a colon cancer diagnosis, Jim sold the family business to his son, Rob Tynsky (4th-generation fossil collector/preparer), who grew up working in the quarry and preparing fossils, and to his wife, Kodi (daughter-in-law). He continued to live out his days digging and prepping fossils until his death on December 3, 2025. Jim was an instrumental member of the fossil collecting and preparation community as we know it today. His talent, wit, humor, and passion will be greatly missed. His presence and absence have forever changed the mineral and fossil community.

Jim Tynsky

Rob, Kodi, Bronson & Bryson

Rob and Kodi purchased the business with the intention of continuing the family legacy and carrying it forward for future generations. Today, Tynsky’s Fossils operates both a fossil gallery and an active quarry experience, offering the public hands-on access to Eocene-age fossils from Fossil Lake, one of the most significant freshwater fossil deposits in the world. Visitors can excavate and keep their own fossils while learning directly from a family with expertise spanning more than six decades. Through education, ethical quarrying practices, and public engagement, Tynsky’s Fossils continues to connect people with prehistoric life while preserving a deeply rooted family tradition in paleontology. ¹
That commitment to education, accessibility, and respect is something I have experienced personally. My son began collecting fossils at a very young age, digging them himself, learning to prep them, and selling minerals and fossils he dug and purchased for resale at shows across the country to build a serious personal collection. Throughout those formative years, the Tynskys were consistently approachable and generous with their time and knowledge. They treated my son, even when he was just nine years old, as a valued customer and fellow enthusiast rather than dismissing him as “just a kid.” Anyone who has spent time in this business or hobby understands how much that level of respect truly says about a company.

Come see these “Twins” in person! A large palm frond (positive & negative) from the Green River Formation. (52 MYO

That long-standing family legacy comes full circle in Tucson, where visitors are warmly invited to stop by Space 50 at the RMGM Tucson Mineral and Fossil Tent Show and meet Rob and Kody in person. They have been part of the show since its first year in 2022, and their continued presence reflects both their dedication to the event and their commitment to sharing fossils and stories with the community. Whether you come with years of collecting experience or simple curiosity, a visit to Space 50 is an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and experience firsthand the passion that continues to carry the Tynsky tradition forward.
The RMGM Tucson Mineral and Fossil Tent Show takes place at 1920 N. Oracle Rd., in Tucson’s “mineral district”, running January 30 through February 14, 10-6. daily (closing at 4 on the final day). The show opens early on January 23 with three wholesale-only dealers and Jeanne’s Rock Shop. Admission and on-site parking are free, and the event is open to both wholesale and retail buyers. With its friendly atmosphere, high-quality fossils and minerals, and hands-on opportunities such as meeting Rob and Kody, the Tent Show is the perfect destination for collectors, families, and anyone curious about Earth’s natural wonders.

Come see Tynsky's Fossils, Inc. in booth 50 at the RMGM Tucson Mineral & Fossil Show

Source: Tynsky’s Fossils, “About Tynsky’s Fossils,” used with permission.
Photos: Courtesy of Tynsky’s Fossils, RMGM Promotion’s Ad