When you think of a natural history museum, you may picture towering dinosaur skeletons, rare gemstones, or exotic taxidermy animals. But have you ever stopped to wonder who is responsible for curating these fascinating exhibits?
The curator of the natural history museum is a key figure in the world of science and education. They are responsible for overseeing the acquisition, preservation, and display of the museum’s collections.
What Does a Curator Do?
A curator’s job is multifaceted and requires a broad range of skills and knowledge. They must have expertise in their field of study, whether that be paleontology, botany, or zoology. They must also possess strong organizational skills to manage collections that can number in the millions.
Curators work with other museum staff to design exhibits that are both informative and engaging for visitors. This can involve selecting specimens to display, designing exhibit layouts, and creating interactive elements such as touchscreens or virtual reality experiences.
In addition to managing physical specimens, curators are also responsible for conducting research and publishing scholarly articles in their field. They may collaborate with other scientists around the world on research projects or participate in field expeditions to collect new specimens.
Types of Natural History Museums
There are many different types of natural history museums around the world, each with its own unique focus. Some museums specialize in specific types of collections such as insects or minerals. Others may focus on specific regions or time periods in history.
One well-known example is the American Museum of Natural History located in New York City. This museum has an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils as well as exhibits on human evolution and biodiversity.
Another notable natural history museum is the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History located in Washington D.C. This museum houses over 145 million specimens including plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites and human cultural artifacts.
- American Museum of Natural History
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- The Field Museum in Chicago
- Natural History Museum in London
How to Become a Curator
Becoming a curator typically requires a strong educational background in a relevant field. Most curators hold advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. in their area of expertise.
In addition to education, curators must also have practical experience working with collections. This can involve volunteering or interning at museums or other cultural institutions.
Curators must also possess strong communication and interpersonal skills as they often work with museum staff, donors, and the public.
Conclusion
The curator of the natural history museum is an important figure responsible for managing and preserving scientific and cultural artifacts for future generations. With their expertise and passion for their field, curators play a vital role in educating the public about the wonders of the natural world.