Free Admission
Take part in a scavenger hunt and learn about the sacrifice, knowledge and labor of Black people involved in natural history museums. Seventeen profiles located around the museum showcase the contributions of Black researchers, exhibit designers and curators over 300 years across eight fields of study. Each profile is located near an exhibit relating to their field of study. This gallery also highlights the history and formation of the Black in Natural History Museums organization that was established in 2021.
The gallery also displays information on the history and formation of the Black in Natural History Museums organization. ©Florida Museum/Kristen Grace
Each profile is placed near a relevant exhibit, like entomologist Charles Henry Turner by the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit. ©Florida Museum/Kristen Grace
Seventeen profiles of historical and modern Black researchers, curators and naturalists across eight fields of study are located around the museum. ©Florida Museum/Kristen Grace
Highlights
Scavenger Hunt:
- Explore the museum to find all 17 profiles of Black scientists. Each profile is located in an exhibit relating to their field of study. Learn about the work of historical figures like the collector Majoe and artist John Tyley, as well as modern scientists like entomologist Jessica Ware and paleontologist Cameron Muskelly.
Did You Know?
- Charles Darwin learned taxidermy from John Edmonstone, a former enslaved person who moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, after gaining his freedom.
- Edmond Albius, a former enslaved person, developed a technique to pollinate vanilla orchids at the age of 12, which helped create today’s vanilla industry.
- Margaret Collins graduated high school at 14 years old and became the first Black woman to earn a doctorate in entomology in 1949.
Acknowledgements
This exhibit was made by the Black in Natural History Museums organization and designed by Alnycea Blackwell, the organization’s vice president of graphic design.