In 1923, four boys from Washington, North Carolina, created a small museum. Beginning in a tent, their “Bug House Laboratory” eventually moved into its own building and became the Washington Field Museum, at one time the largest amateur museum in the United States. Its collection attracted the attention of H.H. Brimley, the director of the Museum of Natural Sciences, and its taxidermist/forensic ornithologist Roxie Simpson (Laybourne). Many other distinguished scientists and curators took note of their work, including the National Museum of Natural History and the American Museum of Natural History. Join us to learn more about the laboratory’s history and how the City of Washington and local organizations work to keep the memory of the “Bug House” alive.
Stephen Farrell, Curator of Special Collections, George H. & Laura E. Brown Library
Ray Midgett, Vice President, Historic Port of Washington Project
The Lunchtime Discovery Series is produced by the NC DEQ Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs in partnership with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.