Skulls Unlimited International
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Osteological specimen supply |
| Founded | June 1986 |
| Founder | Jay Villemarette |
| Headquarters | Oklahoma City , United States |
| Products | Skulls and skeletons |
Number of employees | (not specified) |
Skulls Unlimited International, Inc. is a privately owned company located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA, specializing in the supply of osteological specimens. Established in June 1986 by Jay Villemarette, the firm focuses on the preparation of skulls and skeletons by utilizing dermestid beetles to clean away tissue, followed by a whitening process using hydrogen peroxide. Annually, Skulls Unlimited handles approximately 25,000 skull specimens, catering to clients across the globe.
History
Following a job termination in 1986, Jay Villemarette transformed his enduring fascination with skulls into a commercial venture by founding Skulls Unlimited International Inc. His interest originated at age seven after discovering a dog skull, an enthusiasm encouraged by his father. While employed as an automotive technician, Villemarette pursued skull collecting and sales on a part-time basis. As customer demand increased, he and his wife Kim began cleaning skulls within their home.
By 1992, the enterprise had transitioned to a retail storefront and expanded its workforce with the addition of full-time staff members. Initially operating from South Shields until 2000, the company then relocated to a more spacious facility in Oklahoma City. The majority of human bones used by Skulls Unlimited come from bodies donated for scientific purposes.
In January 2013, Villemarette was featured on John Hodgman's podcast Judge John Hodgman, providing expertise on skeleton collecting and taxidermy.
Museum of Osteology
Skulls Unlimited Inc. initiated construction in 2004 on a building that would accommodate both its headquarters and the Museum of Osteology, which officially opened its doors in 2010. The museum showcases over 300 authentic skeletons and 400 skulls, emphasizing the structure and function of skeletal systems. In 2015, a second museum location was established in Orlando, Florida, which ultimately closed in 2020 and consolidated its collection with the Oklahoma City venue.