Museum of Natural History and Artificial Curiosities
In 1867, professors at the newly formed land grant university in Kentucky assembled a museum as an instructional aid for faculty teaching geology, zoology, and botany. Gradually, “curiosities” were added to the natural science holdings including paintings, garments, and weapons from various cultures. Inspired by inventories in the university archives, this exhibition brings together art, insects, meteorites, minerals, and anthropological collections from across campus to consider ways in which collections have played a key role in the university’s mission to advance Kentucky through education, research, service, and care.
Image:
William Craig, View on the Germantown Pike Overlooking Lawrence Creek near Maysville, Ky., Evening, 1865, oil on canvas. Collection of the UK Art Museum, gift in memory of William Earle Stilwell III.
