The biology museum makes a return
In 1873 a fire destroyed the school's biology museum. When Anthony Swinehart was hired he hoped to rebuild it. Now, it's coming back.
David Steffen
Issue date: 4/2/09 Section: News
|
Associate Professor of Biology Anthony Swinehart decided to build a natural science museum on campus when he first joined the faculty. He said he wanted to restore Hillsdale's former natural science fame.
"Hillsdale College had a museum with what you could call more or less a national reputation," Swinehart said. "Apparently, it was well enough known that we received donations from the Smithsonian Institution, McGill University in Canada, Brown University and Wabash College."
A fire ripped through the museum in 1873, leading top universities and institutions to donate specimen to the college. It occupied an entire floor in a former college building.
Today, the Daniel M. Fisk museum occupies a more modest space in the former anatomy lab in Strosacker Science Center. However, one exhibit has already set the museum apart. Inside is a collection of intact dinosaur bones discovered in Hillsdale County in 2004. Many, but not all, of the bones will go on display in the museum.
Swinehart helped in the dinosaur bone recovery effort. He acquired them and decided to show them to the public.
"I wanted to make sure it was a community resource so people would come and see it," he said.
Next to the prehistoric bones sits a more youthful collection of horse bones, discovered by college secretary Cindy Hoarde on her property.
Senior James Howard and sophomore Jeremy Davis have spent this semester meticulously assembling the skeleton. It is not an easy task, Davis said.
"It's definitely not a one-man job," he said. "You figure that out fast."
The two biology majors work cautiously as they dip the horse vertebrae into plaster to cast them. Howard hopes to become an equine veterinarian, one who treats horses, he said, as he dipped another vertebra into the plaster mix.
"When I found out they had that project, I was pretty excited, so I asked if I could jump on it," Howard said.
Davis and Howard began assembling the skeleton with no instruction manual. They said they will likely finish this weekend.
Davis said the horse skeleton is a nice touch to the museum.
"I think it looks really nice, and it adds to that museum atmosphere," he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Detroit Movers
posted 4/03/09 @ 10:36 AM EST
It's good to see that some people are working to preserve science and history, as well as their willingness to open it up for public viewing. Museums are a great way to learn and to gain awareness. (Continued…)
Post a Comment