Content
Fowl predicament at Hesston College uncovers irreplaceable flock – hesston.edu
Jul
Admissions
Admissions
Request Information
Apply for Admission
Apply for Admission
How to Apply
Cost of Attendance
Cost of Attendance
Special and Unusual Circumstances
Scholarships and Aid
Scholarships and Aid
Applying for Financial Aid
Scholarships
Loans
Work-Study
VA Benefits
Sample Aid Packages
FAQ
Financial Aid Policies
International Students
International Students
International Students Request Information
International Student Admissions Process
International Student Cost of Attendance
Scholarships for International Students
International Student Testimonials
International Student Resources
Admitted International Students
International Student FAQ
What to Bring as an International Student
Resources for Parents of International Students
Admitted Students
Admitted Students
FAQ
Resources for Parents
What to Bring
Quick Facts
Visit Campus
Visit Campus
Schedule Your Visit
Academics
Academics
Programs
Programs
Aviation – Pilot (B.S.)
Nursing (B.S.N)
Business Management (B.A.)
Engineering (B.S.)
Health Science (B.S.)
Health and Human Performance (B.S.)
Sports Management (B.A.)
Associate Degrees
Interdisciplinary Studies
Fine Arts
Fine Arts
Performing Arts Scholarships
Fine Arts Calendar
Theatre
Music
Art
Student Success
Academic Calendar
Academic Calendar
Final Exam Schedule
Course Catalog
Intercultural Experiences
Intercultural Experiences
Urban Life and Culture
International Chorale
Mary Miller Library
Mary Miller Library
Interlibrary Loan
Online Resources
Services and Policies
Registrar’s Office
Registrar’s Office
Request a Transcript
Articulation Agreements
Frequently Asked Questions
Access Your Records
Syllabus Resources
Student Life
Student Life
Residential Life
Residential Life
Roommate Connection Tips
Res Life FAQ
2026-27 Dorm Calendar
Campus Activities
Campus Activities
Clubs
10 Things, 10 Miles, $10 or Less
Campus Ministries
Campus Ministries
Philosophy of Faith Formation
Dining Services
Campus Safety
Campus Safety
Title IX
Laws Impacting Institutional Confidentiality
Reporting
Resources
Student Employment
Student Handbook
Counseling Services
Athletics
Fine Arts
Events
Events
Opening Weekend
Opening Weekend
On-Campus Student Schedule
Off-Campus Student Schedule
Homecoming
Homecoming
Schedule
Class Reunions
Disc Golf Tournament
Community Days
Virtual Class Reunions
Virtual Class Reunions
Campus Tour Game Key
Commencement Weekend
Commencement Weekend
Nursing Pinning Webcast
Commencement Webcast
Live Stream
Alumni and Friends
Alumni and Friends
Hesston College Today
Giving to Hesston
Giving to Hesston
Partner Program
GEM Program
Endowed Scholarships
Planned Giving
Phonathon
Other Ways to Give
Church Relations
Church Relations
Weekend College
Leadership Training Program
Volunteer Opportunities
About
About
Mission, Vision and Values
The Hesston Experience
Leadership, Faculty and Staff
Leadership, Faculty and Staff
Senior Leadership and Board
Faculty and Staff Directory
Office Directory
Calendar
Parking, Directions and Maps
Parking, Directions and Maps
Campus Map
News
Accreditation
Employment
Employment
Application for Employment
Bookstore
Livestream
Consumer Information
Consumer Information
Privacy Policy
HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grants
Dyck Arboretum of the Plains
Contact Us
My Hesston
In the News
December 10, 2025
The smoke has cleared in Hesston College’s J.D. Charles Hall of Science and Arts, but cleanup is still underway following a May 9 fire that left the building unusable for the current academic year. While restoration efforts have been in full force over the past several months, the fate of HC’s feathered friends in the building was uncertain.
The specimens in question were part of an exhibit prepared from 1948 to 1956 by Richard Schmidt, then-HC staff taxidermist from Goessel, Kan., for Hesston College’s Maurice Yoder Memorial Museum located in Charles Hall. The collection was not exposed to the fire, but chemical smoke damage coupled with arsenic used in their preservation 70 years ago resulted in 260 specimens with an unknown future.
After several failed attempts to connect with a taxidermist willing to take on the extensive project of cleaning and restoring over 200 birds, Hesston College was at a loss. Numerous inquiries from community members as to the fate of this collection made the value to the HC community apparent, but without someone willing to do the necessary work to restore them, the college was running out of options to keep the birds.
Moving forward on a wing and a prayer, Ben Miller, Hesston College director of campus facilities, was able to connect with Wes Becker, president of the Kansas Association of Taxidermy (KAT) and the owner of M&W Taxidermy in Mount Hope, Kan. Once Becker learned that renowned taxidermist Richard Schmidt was the creator of this collection, it was enough to pique his interest and make the short road trip to Hesston to see the collection for himself.
“I was pretty amazed with the variety of birds,” Becker recalled. “Richard obviously specialized in those little tiny birds, but the quality of the work, even still today, is as good as 90% out there. It’s top quality work for sure.”
After the visit, Becker secured additional support from another industry expert, Museum Conservation and Wildlife Art Specialist Rick Krane of New Hampshire, who is also president of Anglers Artistry Inc. The duo were able to work with HC to quickly get the ball rolling and are currently on location, working to restore every bird in the collection.
This was a surprise, but a welcome turn in events for Hesston College as the true value of this collection has been uncovered. In fact, Krane shared in initial conversations with the college that this collection is literally “irreplaceable.”
“Older, cohesive avian collections that haven’t been broken up, damaged or lost to time are disappearing,” he said. “Maybe a couple dozen remain in any real continuity, and even that number shrinks each decade.”
Becker also spoke to the value of this collection saying, “Just the variety of birds, to be able to get to see birds that you can’t legally harvest, you can’t legally possess or anything. I think almost every single bird in there is federally protected. Even zoos don’t have most of these.”
Sharing in their sentiments is emeritus HC faculty member Lorna Harder.
“We have here a collection of birds, many of which are becoming rare,” she said. “They’re not necessarily threatened or endangered status, but they’re on watch lists already because the numbers have just been declining.”
It’s safe to say Schmidt is a legend in the taxidermy world, adding additional value to the collection. KAT even established the Richard H. Schmidt Memorial Award of Excellence in his honor. Each year it’s given to the highest scoring mount at their annual state competition. KAT’s website says, “This award is meant to honor all the hard work, passion, high standards and mastered abilities that went into a taxidermy piece to make it as close to real life as possible. It is the most elite and sought after award for the KAT and its members.”
“Preparators like Schmidt built the foundation for how America learned its wildlife,” Krane explained. “You can see that heritage in the Hesston pieces: the wiring, the posture, the feather articulation…it all speaks to a period of meticulous, disciplined workmanship. These mounts weren’t made for décor; they were made for education, for accuracy, for truth.”
Krane says the significance of this bird collection is three-fold. There’s historical significance as it provides a snapshot of a quickly fading academic era. Scientifically, it preserves forms and morphology. There’s also artistic significance as it represents a now very rare school of craftsmanship.
“This isn’t just a group of birds,” he shared. “It’s an intact chapter of natural history, and sadly there are very few chapters like this left.”
Over the years, the collection has remained a constant in its original exhibit space in Charles Hall, giving Hesston College biology and science students an up close and personal view of the winged creatures, adding a level of educational significance. Harder also recalls it being a resource for area schools to visit, as well as adult groups, when she worked in Charles Hall in the 1980s.
“But beyond that, it is a resource that very few colleges have,” she explained. “And our college is small, our community is small, and it’s accessible to a large number of people on a regular basis who want to come and look and see. I think accessibility is huge.”
Schmidt’s family was also grateful to learn about the turn in events.
“The descendants of Richard H. Schmidt are very pleased that Hesston College will be able to restore his taxidermy mounts after the fire. He made these more than 70 years ago, so it’s wonderful to know they will be in good shape for years to come,” shared Paul Schrag of Newton, Kan., Schmidt’s grandson. “As supporters of Mennonite higher education, maintaining a high-quality display at Hesston College is important to us, and we trust that current and future students will benefit from the products of his skill and dedication.”
Krane and Becker are on campus now, working under Krane’s Academy of Wildlife Art, to clean and restore all of the birds in the collection. They expect to complete the project in about a week. At that time, the collection will be stored safely while the cleaning and restoration of Charles Hall continues. The collection won’t remain caged up for long, though.
“The college is committed to getting the collection back on display,” Hesston College President Mark Landes said. “We also hope to create an enhanced exhibit space that students and the community can enjoy for generations to come.”
PO Box 3000
325 S College Dr
© 2026 Hesston College
