I have loved the American Museum of Natural History since I was 10 years old (84 now).
Why?
Because my friend Jack and I found some fossils in Queens. We took the subway unaccompanied by parents (both 10 years old) to the ANMH not knowing what to expect. The two kids were listened to respectfully and then taken to the humungous, splendid, bookshelf filled office of the museum's Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology.
The Curator, unhurriedly, explained what each of the fossils were, their names and their geologic period (Devonian brachiopods, crinoids, etc. 350million years ago). Today could 2 kids take the subway and be treated the same way at the museum? TBD. But that's why that institution is dear to my heart almost 75 years later.
As usual, David writes a thought-provoking essay. I am grateful for his continues availability on the 'net and the occasional cartoon. Keep it comin', David!
Great stuff. I studied Anthropology as an undergrad and it is ever fascinating how new information can change the narrative of how we came to be here in this moment as humans. And you’re so right- despite how dumb we can be.
Excellent reminder of what an extraordinary place we live in. As too brain size, I think we are more like a filbert than an almond. Rounder and incapable of getting to an ecological point.
I have loved the American Museum of Natural History since I was 10 years old (84 now).
Why?
Because my friend Jack and I found some fossils in Queens. We took the subway unaccompanied by parents (both 10 years old) to the ANMH not knowing what to expect. The two kids were listened to respectfully and then taken to the humungous, splendid, bookshelf filled office of the museum's Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology.
The Curator, unhurriedly, explained what each of the fossils were, their names and their geologic period (Devonian brachiopods, crinoids, etc. 350million years ago). Today could 2 kids take the subway and be treated the same way at the museum? TBD. But that's why that institution is dear to my heart almost 75 years later.
As usual, David writes a thought-provoking essay. I am grateful for his continues availability on the 'net and the occasional cartoon. Keep it comin', David!
Great stuff. I studied Anthropology as an undergrad and it is ever fascinating how new information can change the narrative of how we came to be here in this moment as humans. And you’re so right- despite how dumb we can be.
Excellent reminder of what an extraordinary place we live in. As too brain size, I think we are more like a filbert than an almond. Rounder and incapable of getting to an ecological point.
Thought provoking. Makes me want to visit that museum!