Imagine holding a fossil from the dinosaur age. At the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, you can explore millions of years of history.
The Burke Museum is more than just a museum. It is a journey through the natural and cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest. Established in 1899, the Burke Museum has grown from a small naturalist club to Washington State’s official museum.
The Burke Museum’s story began with high school students in 1879. They formed the Young Naturalists Society. Their passion for nature led to a collection of specimens. This collection became the foundation of the Burke Museum.
Orson “Bug” Johnson, a biology instructor, joined the group. He brought 20000 animal specimens. The club’s collection became the largest in the Pacific Northwest.
In 1899, the Washington State Legislature recognized the collection. It became the Washington State Museum. The Young Naturalists donated their collection in 1904.
The Burke Museum moved several times. It finally found a permanent home in 1927. This was originally the Washington State Building for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition.
Erna Gunther became director in 1929. She led the museum for over 25 years.
After Thomas Burke’s death, his wife Caroline wanted a monument. It should promote understanding among Pacific peoples. She donated her Native American artifacts. The museum was renamed the Burke Museum in 1962.
The Burke Museum’s collection includes over 16 million items. These range from fossils to Native American artifacts. The ornithology division has the world’s largest collection of spread bird wings. The Mammalogy Collection is the 10th largest at a North American university.
The Burke Museum actively works with Native communities. Its Native American Advisory Board consults on events and collection care.
The Burke Museum has diverse exhibits. These include fossils, cultural artifacts and an ethnobotanical garden.
The new Burke Museum building opened in 2019. It features large windows into research areas. This allows visitors to see parts of the collection usually hidden. The new building also has a cafe serving Native American cuisine.
The Burke Museum isn’t just a place to look. It’s a place to connect with the past and present. It promotes respect and responsibility for our world. It inspires lifelong learning. Whether you’re exploring fossils or admiring Native American art, the Burke Museum offers something for everyone. It is a place where you can learn and explore.