By NICK KIMANZI
Student Reporter
Most museums are located in cities throughout the world while a few are scattered around smaller cities. Alva, Okla is among the list of the small developing cities in the northwestern part of the state to house a museum. Its aim is not only to serve researchers and specialists, but it is also open for the public
The Museum of Natural History is situated in Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Jesse Dunn building on the northeast side of campus. The building was constructed in 1936-37 on the site of the original campus building; this offered the best location for the Natural Museum due to its storage needs for the exhibits.
The museum has turned out to be of great benefit, both educational and entertaining; it houses a countless number of animals of different species on earth.
The building not only contains a vast collection of animals and birds spotted around the region but also around the world. According to the library’s website, Professor Stevens and his former student protégé traveled to Alaska in 1908 and spent seven months collecting hundreds of specimens of mammal’s birds and bird eggs. Later on is when African artifacts such as the Gemsboks, an antelope looking animal and an Impala from Zimbabwe. The gigantic ear of an elephant spreading about 5 feet high and 3 feet wide lies on one of the very many tables scattered with preserved animals and birds under the dim lit Museum. According to Smith, the room has to be dim since bright lights react with the chemicals present in all the lifelike artifacts. Smith also stated that the museum was opened by the science department in 1902 and today is run by Dr. Place and Thomson.
Dr. Thompson said, “Dr. Place and I are excited about some upcoming changes in the museum. Our museum Techniques class is in the process of designing some new exhibits which will be completed this spring. We encourage you to come watch the progress.”
The museum building was a joint project with Carter Hall and the Joe. J. Struckle Education Center. The cost of the three projects was $545,000, of which $300,000 was in a state appropriation and $245,000 from the federal government.
According to the museum’s website, in 2007, the Jesse Dunn building, the Education Building and the Carter Hall celebrated their 70th year of standing proudly and serving the needs of NWOSU and the city of Alva.
Further remodeling in Jesse Dunn was authorized in 1966 in a joint project with Carter Hall at a cost of $150,000. Which was completed in 1967-68, refurbishing old library stack areas and creating computer rooms and new quarters for the museum. Yet another remodeling came in two phases in 1975-76 which costed $107,573.
It is a huge opportunity for students to see lifelike animals and bird and aquatics species, especially if they are completely wiped off the earth. Taking a break for the hustle and bustle of school to see what the Museum of Natural History has to offer is a to do list this semester.
You may email Dr. Thompson at sdthompson@nwosu.edu to schedule a tour.