Bollinger County Museum of Natural History

Introduction

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Opened in 2004, the Bollinger County Museum of Natural History features a wide range of exhibits exploring the natural and cultural history of the area. The natural history exhibits showcase geological specimens, bones, dinosaur exhibits, and taxidermied animals. The cultural history exhibits display Native American, Civil War, and WWI artifacts as well as information and photographs from more recent history including the timber and agricultural industries. There is also a gallery for local and regional artists to display their art. The building is the former Will Mayfield College Arts and Science Building, which was built in 1927 and added to the National Register of the Historic Places (the campus itself is its own listing on the register). Its Classical Revival design is unique in the area.

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Backstory and Context

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The college was established in 1878 as a private, religious high school/preparatory school and junior college (it was affiliated with the Baptist religious tradition). The former arts and science building represents the period in which the school reached its peak (the 1920s) and maximum influence on the surrounding region. The college was founded by Bollinger County native William H. Mayfield, who, while studying medicine, saw a great need for educational opportunities in the area, which was lacking.

Sources

Patterson, Tiffany. "National Parks Service - National Register of Historic Places." May 25, 2005. https://dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/05000929.pdf.

Pruitt, Julie. "Bollinger County Museum of Natural History will reopen in spring." Southeast Missourian. February 3, 2018. https://www.semissourian.com/story/2482009.html.