Ā鶹“«Ć½ Special Collections Opens New Exhibit, āThe Messy History of Scientific Observationā
Wed, 09/17/2025 - 01:58pm | By: Dawn Smith
Seahorse specimen on loan from GCRL
Science materials from The University of Ā鶹“«Ć½ās University Libraries Special Collections are the focus of a new exhibition, The Messy History of Scientific Observation, now open on the second floor of McCain Library and Archives. The exhibition is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Oct. 17.
Two special programs will be held in conjunction with the exhibition: a Coffee and Cookies with the Curators Chat on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 9 a.m., and a gallery talk by Dr. Tammy Greer, creator of the Medicine Wheel Garden, on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at noon.
The exhibition traces scienceās non-linear progression, from ancient medicinal use of plants and the Age of Discovery to the work of naturalists, the development of modern marine science, and space exploration. It examines how technological advancements have acted as catalysts for greater understanding, the revisionāor even reversalāof scientific beliefs, and the ethical concerns raised by evolving perspectives.
Creation of the Medicine Wheel Garden
Highlights include specimens from the museum at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) and the Herbarium at Lake Thoreau. As the Medicine Wheel Garden marks its 20th anniversary, photography documenting its creation is also on display. Rare books from naturalists include a double elephant folio copy of John James Audubonās The Birds of America, Volume 3 (1851).
Additional materials on view from Special Collections include archival papers of physicist Richard Herzog; drawings from ichthyologist and GCRL museum founder ; logs from ichthyologist A.G. Fish; and Stennis photography gifted by Bettie Cox.
Special thanks go to Nadine Phillips, interlibrary loan librarian, photographer, and nature therapist; Sara LeCroy, GCRL museum curator; and Dr. Mac Alford, professor and curator of the Herbarium, for their loans to the exhibition.
To schedule a class visit, please contact Lorraine Stuart.