How did the Museum acquire its large collection of animal specimens?
A majority of the Museum’s animal specimens were collected in the late 19th century by either Franklin Fairbanks, the founder of the Museum, or by William Balch, who was the Museum’s first taxidermist. It was common practice a century ago to “collect” specimens by shooting them, then preserving and mounting them in life-like positions. Today, our museum no longer “collects” specimens this way. We retain salvage and scientific collecting permits that allow us to receive road-kills and other specimens from sources such as Vermont Fish and Wildlife.
