“Psst! Want to see something creepy-crawly?” That’s how I’d start if I were a bug myself. But I’m your tour guide so let’s talk about the Harrell House Bug Museum. It’s a place where fascination meets education.
Founded in 2013 by Wade Harrell, the Harrell House Bug Museum began as a humble collection. It was first located in the DeVargas Center. After nine years, it briefly moved to Santa Fe Place in 2021. When the museum lost its space, the community rallied. This outpouring of support led to a new name. It became The Santa Fe Reptile and Bug Museum. It also became a nonprofit organization.
Since its start, the Harrell House Bug Museum has attracted around 70,000 visitors. Inside, you’ll find live bug exhibits. Also see reptiles, amphibians, and fish. You can even touch some of the gentle creatures.
Wade Harrell often takes a mobile version of the museum to schools. He visits museums and even private birthday parties. The Harrell House Bug Museum became a vital part of the community. Especially for families with children.
In 2023, a temporary location opened at the Santa Fe Fashion Outlet mall. The goal remains the same. It is to educate people about misunderstood creatures. They also want to teach about the environments where they live.
The Harrell House Bug Museum has a heart for rescue. Most reptiles on display are former pets. Their owners could no longer care for them. The museum also educates potential pet owners. They teach about the responsibilities of caring for reptiles.
Thanks to a grant, the museum offers free programs to publicly funded schools in Santa Fe. This includes free admission for field trips. They also bring live insects and reptiles to classrooms. Wade Harrell and his team hope to expand their outreach. They want to develop new presentations about natural history and conservation.
Originally, the Harrell House Bug Museum was housed in a mall kiosk. Wade Harrell’s collection expanded significantly. It grew to include thousands of bugs. There are now 200 live animals. The museum also boasts 5,000 mounted insects from around the world. Poison spiders and huge beetles are on display. You can also see scorpions and axolotls. There are even two-foot-long spiders.
Some creatures were rescued from previous owners. Wade Harrell encourages pet owners to be thoughtful about the animals they adopt. Dumpy the tree frog is one such rescue. He hitched a ride from Florida to Santa Fe. He was found on a Home Depot plant. Now, he has a new home with Harrell.
Adults and children can marvel at the natural world here. View creatures safely behind glass. You can even hold a bug yourself. Flashlights, UV lights, and magnifying glasses are available. Use them for a closer look. Check the website for the schedule of feedings.
The Harrell House Bug Museum is more than just a collection of insects. It’s a place of wonder. It is a place of learning. It connects us to the natural world. Next time you see a bug, remember Dumpy the tree frog. Think about the vital role insects play in our ecosystem. The Harrell House Bug Museum leaves a lasting impression.