Natural history museums hold a special place in our society, serving as both educational institutions and repositories of our planet’s biodiversity. In his book “Nature’s Memory: Behind the scenes at the world’s natural history museums,” Jack Ashby sheds light on the complexities and imperfections of these institutions.
Ashby, the assistant director of the University Museum of Zoology in Cambridge, delves into the history and inner workings of natural history museums. While these museums were once envisioned as comprehensive collections of all living organisms on Earth, Ashby reveals that a significant portion of our natural history is actually hidden away in storage rooms, away from public view.
One striking revelation from Ashby’s book is the vast number of plant species that remain undocumented and unanalyzed. He estimates that there are around 70,000 more species of flowering plants waiting to be discovered, many of which are likely already preserved in museum collections. This underscores the importance of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into cataloging and preserving specimens.
Ashby also highlights the biases present in museum displays, particularly in the representation of female animals. A study cited in the book found that only a small percentage of mammals and birds on exhibit in natural history museums are female, reflecting a historical preference for displaying more visually striking male specimens. This imbalance in representation, Ashby argues, contributes to a skewed understanding of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Beyond gender bias, Ashby addresses the broader issue of misrepresentation within museums, calling for a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of nature. He points out how past generations of curators have often overlooked or obscured certain aspects of anatomy, such as the presence of a baculum in male mammal skeletons, leading to a lack of comprehensive education about the natural world.
In a time of growing skepticism towards experts and institutions, Ashby’s book serves as a reminder of the vital role that natural history museums play in preserving our collective knowledge of the natural world. By acknowledging and addressing the shortcomings of these institutions, we can work towards a more accurate and inclusive representation of biodiversity.
As Ashby aptly puts it, “The work taking place in natural history museums has never been more important, and the role they have to play in safeguarding humanity’s future is only just starting to be realized.” This book is a timely call to action for reevaluating the narratives and displays in our museums, ensuring that they reflect the true diversity and complexity of the natural world.
