Skinned, Stuffed and Mounted: The History, Culture and How-to of Taxidermy

Location: Wagner Free Institute of Science With over 100,000 specimens, many of which are skinned, stuffed and mounted, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is no stranger to taxidermy. Visitors to the Victorian era museum and are immediately drawn to the multitude of skeletons, skins, and fauna displayed behind glass for observation and study. In homage to the taxidermists who spent countless hours preserving the specimens in the Wagner collection, you are invited to a program of taxidermy history and how-to. Rachel Poliquin, author of the book The Breathless Zoo, will discuss the history of taxidermy and its larger implications for the relationship between human and non-human animals. Beth Beverly, a local artist and taxidermist, will then demonstrate how to skin, stuff, mount and arrange a specimen. While not for the faint-of-heart, this fascinating demonstration is not to be missed! A small reception will follow the talk with light refreshments, Q&A, book signings and jewelry and hat sales. 2:00-2:10pm - Introductions. 2:10-3:00pm - Presentation on the history and culture of taxidermy (illustrated presentation). 3:15-5:00pm - Taxidermy demonstration (the demonstration will be filmed and live-streamed through our projector onto the big screen). 5:00-5:30pm - Reception/book signing/sales. Buy tickets here!