The Collections

The Pember Museum collections are a wonderful example of the biodiversity of the area 100 years ago, and also include specimens from around the world.

There are over 7,000 objects in the collections of the Pember Museum, covering a wide variety of natural history subjects. Nearly 80% of the collections are on display. Specimens include vertebrate (birds, mammals, and reptiles) and invertebrate animals (insects, arachnids and sea life), rocks and minerals, fossils, some anthropological and historical materials, and a herbarium (dried plant specimens).

NEWS

Curator’s Corner

Apr 28, 2026

The Curator’s Corner is a new page designed to spark curiosity and engagement. We will bring together a mix of collection highlights on objects, artifacts, or images paired with prompts that encourage visitors to observe closely, guess their purpose or origin, and investigate further. Photos may be used as visual clues, inviting users to identify details or solve small “mysteries” about the items.

Alongside these interactive elements, the page will include short, engaging tidbits, unusual facts, historical context, or behind-the-scenes insights from the curator that make the content feel lively rather than academic. Search features or guided questions help users dig deeper into the collection, turning passive viewing into active discovery.

Overall, our goal is to create a playful, educational experience that blends storytelling, inquiry and exploration, making our museum content more accessible and memorable for a broad audience.

Preserve Programs

Apr 4, 2026

Upcoming Preserve Programs:

Bird Walk
Sunday, April 12
8:00-9:30am

Join us for an early morning bird walk beginning at the nature center (old Porter Schoolhouse) for a walk down Schoolhouse Trail and the South Loop. We will listen to birds and determine which ones have migrated back to this area. Expertise is not required. All ages welcome. If it’s snowing or raining hard, the walk will be cancelled but if it’s just drizzling rain, we are on! Registration is not necessary. Dress accordingly and spray for ticks.

Bird Nests Walk
Sunday, May 3
9:00-10:30am

We’ll walk the trails to look high and low for bird nests. How many do you think we’ll find? Join us as we begin our walk at the nature center (Porter Schoolhouse). All ages welcome. Registration is not required. If it’s raining hard, the walk will be cancelled but if it’s just drizzling rain, we are on! Dress accordingly and spray for ticks.