Burpee Museum of Natural History

Situated along the scenic Rock River in downtown Rockford, Illinois, the Burpee Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of scientific wonders and historical artifacts. Established in 1941, this museum has grown to become a cornerstone of education and exploration, offering a fascinating glimpse into the natural world and the history of our planet.

The History of Burpee Museum

The Burpee Museum of Natural History has a rich history that dates back to its inception as a Works Progress Administration project. Officially opened to the public on May 24, 1942, the museum complex comprises four distinct buildings: the Manny Mansion, the Barnes Mansion, the Solem Wing, and the Water Lab.

The Solem Wing, constructed in the winter of 1998, serves as the public face of the museum. Named after benefactor Robert H. Solem, this wing houses the museum's exhibits, meeting rooms, laboratories, gift shop, and the Mahlburg Auditorium. The Manny Mansion, built in 1852 and once home to John P. Manny, now hosts museum classrooms and offices. The Barnes Mansion, dating back to 1893, contains meeting rooms and administrative offices. Lastly, the Water Lab, funded by Aqua Aerobic, offers students hands-on experience in analyzing water samples from the Rock River.

Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur

One of the museum's most captivating exhibits is Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur. Jane, a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex or Nanotyrannus lancensis, was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation in southeastern Montana in 2001. After four years of meticulous preparation, Jane's fully restored 21-foot skeleton became the centerpiece of this exhibit. Visitors can explore the 66 million years she lay buried, visit a re-creation of the Montana base camp where she was found, and marvel at her impressive skeleton. Jane's speed and agility are evident from her powerful legs and sharp, serrated teeth designed for tearing flesh.

The exhibit also features scale casts of other dinosaurs, including a 40-foot Tyrannosaurus rex. Another highlight is Homer, the most complete subadult Triceratops fossil discovered in the Hell Creek Formation. Found in 2005, Homer's skeleton is showcased in the Homer's Odyssey exhibit, offering a unique look at this remarkable dinosaur.

The Carboniferous Coal Forest

Step back in time 300 million years with the Carboniferous Coal Forest exhibit. This two-story diorama recreates the prehistoric coal forests that once covered the area, complete with life-size replicas of giant insects and amphibians. The exhibit serves as an analogue to the Mazon Creek fossil beds, a significant geological site in central Illinois. Among the fascinating specimens on display is Tullimonstrum gregarium, the Tully Monster, Illinois' state fossil.

The Ordovician Sea

Adjacent to the front desk, the Ordovician Sea exhibit showcases local fossils from the Ordovician Platteville, Mifflin, and Grand Detour Formations. This exhibit offers a glimpse into life in prehistoric Rockford, featuring a diorama of the expansive sea and coral margin that existed 455 million years ago.

Geoscience

The Geoscience exhibit delves into the forces that shaped our planet. Visitors can explore displays on economic, world, and regional geology, marvel at a 10-foot glacier model, and learn about plate tectonics and land formations. The exhibit also features an impressive collection of unusual rocks, gems, and minerals.

The First People

Discover the history of humankind in North America with The First People exhibit. This display includes a full-size wigwam and tipi, an American bison, and a climbable dugout canoe. Video presentations provide insights into Native American lifestyles and archaeology, offering a comprehensive look at the continent's early inhabitants.

Windows to Wilderness

Focusing on the wildlife of the Rock River Valley, the Windows to Wilderness exhibit features live and mounted wildlife, scale recreations of local landscapes, and hands-on activities designed to entertain children. This exhibit provides an engaging look at the region's natural environments and the creatures that inhabit them.

The Fossil Preparation Viewing Lab

The Fossil Preparation Viewing Lab offers a behind-the-scenes look at the museum's work. Visitors can watch as the museum's talented staff of vertebrate fossil preparators and scientists restore and curate specimens collected from dig sites in Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. The viewing area's large glass windows reveal the biology and paleontology laboratories where specimens are prepared for the museum's collections and exhibits.

In conclusion, the Burpee Museum of Natural History is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the wonders of the natural world. From its rich history and captivating exhibits to its hands-on educational opportunities, the museum offers something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and educational outing, the Burpee Museum is sure to leave you inspired and amazed.