Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology

What secrets lie within the walls of a building dedicated to the study of the animal kingdom? We stand before the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, a treasure trove of scientific discovery and historical wonder. The Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology was founded in 1859 by the passionate zoologist Louis Agassiz. He envisioned a collection that would showcase the incredible diversity and interconnectedness of animal life. The museum’s collection, numbering over 21 million specimens, represents a vast library of life on Earth. While thousands are on rotating display at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the research collections are a world unto themselves, accessible only to dedicated scientists. Imagine holding a fossil sand dollar found by Charles Darwin or gazing upon pheasants that once belonged to George Washington. These artifacts, steeped in both scientific and historical importance, are just a glimpse into the museum’s remarkable holdings. The Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology isn’t merely a repository of preserved specimens. It’s a dynamic institution with nine research departments, from entomology to vertebrate paleontology. Each department contributes to our understanding of the animal world, past and present. The Ernst Mayr Library, a crucial part of the museum, houses a wealth of knowledge and serves as a valuable resource for researchers worldwide. The museum also publishes its own scientific journals, contributing to the ongoing conversation of zoological discovery. The Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology has a public face, the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Here, visitors can marvel at whale skeletons, the largest turtle shell ever found, and a 42-foot Kronosaurus skeleton. The exhibits within the Harvard Museum of Natural History offer a captivating journey through the animal kingdom. From the renovated Great Mammal Hall to changing exhibitions on evolution and the language of color, there’s always something new to discover. The Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology is more than just a museum. It is a testament to our enduring fascination with the natural world and a vital center for scientific exploration.