Eggscentricity 2 – The Pember Museum and Library, Granville New York

Eggscentricity 2

For historical content behind this continued exhibition, please see Eggscentricity 1.

Collectors, W.J.B. Williams and Bert Nichols’s historical information has been carried over into this exhibition since the eggs on exhibit are from theirs or Pember’s collection. However, I did change out their eggs from the previous exhibit.

As I (Bernadette Hoffman) researched these 19th century egg collectors, many obituaries reflected the same information that the collector who passed had the most complete collection in the country. That’s what the obituary writer believed without possessing the knowledge of other collectors. I found that specimens discovered were given their scientific name or common name in honor of their collector. These names were given by experts in the field, like William Brewster, an American ornithologist. (See Who’s Who in Ornithology page) Also, there is a page listing trade journals of the times – Ornithology & Oology Journals

I am saddened for the birds who lost their lives in the name of science or had their eggs stolen for the same reason. I’m appreciative for the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 that prohibits collecting. However, if not for these bird and egg collectors, we would not have the vast knowledge about species today on their nesting habits and behavior in general.

Here is a layout of the new exhibit.