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Rassbach Museum's First Natural History Exhibit Spotlights… Taxidermy? – Volume One
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Kate Roberts Edenborg, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
Many Wisconsinites grew up with deer antlers or fish mounts displayed on the walls of their wood-paneled living rooms. Now we can also see those displays and more on the walls of museums.
From now through Nov. 21, visitors of Menomonie’s Rassbach Museum (1820 John Russell Rd.) will see proof of that. Perhaps an unexpected take on natural history, the new “Through Glass Eyes: A Look at Taxidermy in Dunn County” exhibit spotlights a combination of local wildlife, local history and local craftsmanship.
“Taxidermy is part of our local history that often goes unnoticed and we are excited to share that story with the community,” Sofi Doane, Rassbach Museum manager and curator, said.
Doane and Melissa Kneeland, the Dunn County Historical Society’s executive director, said they hope this exhibit – the first display of its kind at the Menomonie museum – will be the first of many natural history displays at the museum.
“Taxidermy helps us look into Dunn County’s past and present. Through these preserved animals, visitors can explore Dunn County’s wildlife and discover the craftsmanship behind the mounts.”
MELISSA KNEELAND
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DUNN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Over the years, the museum has included taxidermy as part of other exhibits and even displayed pieces beneath the Christmas tree during their annual Wakanda Wonderland holiday event.
Doane and Kneeland said they have noticed museum goers are drawn to taxidermy items. This intrigue is present throughout the region too. Hugh Passow, owner of the Antique Emporium in Eau Claire, said the business’s former downtown location was home to over 100 taxidermy items.
“Over the years we only sold things if we came across duplicates,” Passow said of his taxidermy collection. “We displayed them to arouse curiosity in people, especially children.”
While the current Antique Emporium storefront (508 Water St., Eau Claire) features just eight items due to space constraints, Passow said it became home to taxidermy which came from museums around the area.
One of his favorites was the “Fox in the Log” display purchased from the Prairie Moon Museum in Cochrane, Wisconsin, more than 40 years ago.
“We have spent our life trying to preserve the past,” he said.
Those local taxidermists and private collectors who contributed to the new Rassbach Museum exhibit likely hold similar sentiments. While they may dedicate years to preservation, most people likely don’t know what goes into the taxidermy process – something the new Rassbach Museum exhibit explores.
“I think most visitors have seen taxidermy before, either in a museum or someone’s home, but have (n)ever had the chance to see the tools and materials that go into creating it,” Doane said.
“Through Glass Eyes: A Look at Taxidermy in Dunn County” is a community effort that extends beyond the museum staff. The animal pieces include work from two local taxidermists as well as from private collections. Doane said the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also contributed pieces used to help in wildlife education.
Photographs and taxidermy-related newspaper clippings will expand the exhibit’s storytelling and put local ties on display, too. Several Dunn County taverns provided photos, Doane said, which will be highlighted in an interactive area of the exhibit where visitors can try to identify the local businesses pictured.
“Taxidermy helps us look into Dunn County’s past and present. Through these preserved animals, visitors can explore Dunn County’s wildlife and discover the craftsmanship behind the mounts,” Kneeland said.
The Rassbach Museum and Dunn County Historical Society (1820 John Russell Rd., Menomonie) is open from 11am-5pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 2-8pm on Thursday. Admission is free for members and active duty military/veterans with ID; $8 for adults; $5 for children ages 5-17, students and seniors. Keep up with the museum on Facebook.
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