In celebration of its 150th anniversary, the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters hosts an exhibition that recreates the natural history and archaeological collections gathered by early Academy members such as Increase Lapham, Philo Romayne Hoy, Thomas Chamberlin, Charles E. Brown, and Edward Birge.
Curated by Martha Glowacki and Jody Clowes, Collections & Connections embraces a nuanced view of the Academy’s historical collections, considers the complex legacy of this small but influential organization, and looks to the Academy’s future. The exhibition reflects on the Academy’s changing role over its 150 year history, addresses the importance of scholarly research and intellectual discourse in public life, and examines the cultural shifts that have affected the Academy’s work.