University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Step into a world where history, biology, and anthropology converge at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. Nestled in the heart of the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City, this museum is a treasure trove of natural wonders and historical artifacts that promise to captivate visitors of all ages.

The Origins of the Museum

The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History has a storied past that dates back to 1858, when it was founded by the Iowa General Assembly as the Cabinet of Natural History. Initially housed in the Old Capitol, the museum's first curator was the renowned paleontologist James Hall. Despite early challenges, including financial difficulties that led Hall to abandon his post, the museum persevered. Theodore S. Parvin, a historian and lawyer, took over as curator in 1859, focusing on building the museum's geological collections.

Under the stewardship of its fourth curator, geologist Samuel Calvin, the museum expanded its fossil, bird, and mammal collections, prompting a move to the Science Hall in 1885. Two years later, it was renamed the Museum of Natural History. The museum's growth continued under zoologist Charles Cleveland Nutting, who organized significant expeditions and installed systematic glass displays that became popular attractions. By 1908, the museum had outgrown its space, leading to the construction of the Natural Sciences Building, now known as Macbride Hall.

Exploring the Museum

Today, the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History is housed within the stately Macbride Hall, located in the Pentacrest area of the university campus. The museum's collections boast around 140,000 objects, including approximately 31,000 birds, eggs, and nests, 5,000 mammal specimens, 41,000 insects, 44,000 other invertebrates, 6,000 archaeological specimens, and a wealth of historical documents and images. These collections are displayed across several galleries that span four floors, each offering a unique glimpse into Iowa's geological and cultural history, biological diversity, and environmental science.

Diversity of Life

One of the museum's most popular exhibits is the Diversity of Life gallery. This exhibit features historic displays from the museum's past, focusing on ecology, geology, taxidermy, and biodiversity. Visitors can marvel at specimens from notable animal phyla and gain a deeper understanding of the intricate web of life that exists on our planet.

Iowa Hall

Located on the first floor, Iowa Hall takes visitors on a journey through the history of life in Iowa. The gallery features dioramas of a Devonian coral reef and a Pennsylvanian coal swamp, as well as a model of Jefferson's ground sloth (Megalonyx jeffersonii). Exhibits on Paleoindians and the Meskwaki tribe provide fascinating insights into the region's early inhabitants and their way of life.

Mammal Hall

On the third floor, Mammal Hall showcases an impressive array of taxidermied specimens and skeletons of various mammals collected by university faculty and students. Highlights include a skeleton of an Atlantic right whale and a taxidermied specimen of a giant panda. This gallery offers a captivating look at the diversity of the mammalian world and the intricate adaptations that have allowed these creatures to thrive in different environments.

William and Eleanor Hageboeck Hall of Birds

The William and Eleanor Hageboeck Hall of Birds, also known as Taking Flight: The World of Birds, is another must-visit gallery on the third floor. This exhibit features over 1,000 specimens, including nearly all avian species that live in or regularly visit Iowa. The historic Laysan Island Cyclorama, a 360-degree view of the bird fauna of Laysan Island during the early twentieth century, is a highlight of this gallery.

Biosphere Discovery Hub

The museum's newest exhibit, the Biosphere Discovery Hub, opened in 2007 and is located within the Hageboeck Hall of Birds. This exhibit explores the interactions between humans and their environment, highlighting manmade environmental concerns. It's an engaging and thought-provoking experience that encourages visitors to reflect on their impact on the natural world.

The Tarkio Valley Sloths

One of the museum's most exciting projects in recent years has been the excavation of Megalonyx jeffersonii individuals along the West Tarkio Creek near Shenandoah, Iowa. From 2002 to 2010, the museum coordinated these excavations, uncovering at least three ground sloths. Most recently, a fourth ground sloth of a different species, Paramylodon harlani, was identified, marking the first confirmed specimen of this genus discovered in Iowa.

In conclusion, the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History is more than just a museum; it's a gateway to the past, a celebration of biodiversity, and a testament to the enduring curiosity and dedication of those who have contributed to its collections over the years. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for an educational and entertaining experience, this museum is an unmissable destination in Iowa City.