Home

On museums as the field with better views – and air conditioning

Rasmussen’s research and books ultimately show people a different side of museums, a peek at what goes behind the exhibitions.

Collections are an irreplaceable world resource held in trust for the long-term benefit of society. Natural and cultural history collections are vital for research, education, interpretation, public enjoyment and inspiration, cultural identity, environmental protection, and advancement of scientific knowledge.

“A lot of people think of museums as places you go on a Sunday afternoon with your kids and look at stuffed specimens,” she said. “Most people never see the actual research collections in natural history museums and those collections are the heart of natural history museums. Some of the bigger museums have upwards of a million specimens and these are an incredibly valuable resource for scientists of all kinds, particularly those doing projects like this.”

For more, see www.museum.msu.edu/Exhibitions/LongTerm/