Cabinets of Curiosity: Herbarium Collection
Wed, Feb 5, 2025, 11am
Biological Sciences Building, Room 875
St Paul campus
If you have ever pressed a flower, you know something of the pleasure and significance of keeping a record of these once living plants and their personal significance for you. Now imagine more than 950,000 specimen records that focus strongly on the Upper Midwest but with worldwide representation and special attention to areas where faculty have conducted research, most recently in Papua New Guinea. Tim Whitfeld, collections manager of the University of Minnesota Herbarium, will share his knowledge of that amazing collection and explain its critical importance in the 21st century. Botanists study these pressed plants, individually and collectively, to establish a history of plant life, often over centuries, because they contain compelling evidence of the ever modulating geographical distribution of plants and evidence of how climate, pests, and other factors have changed species over time.
The Herbarium Collection, officially part of the Bell Museum, is tucked away in an upper story of the Biological Sciences Building on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, close to the students and faculty who use its specimens for teaching and research. For an example of its public impact, see https://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/bell-museum-resident-artist-alicia-de-la-cruz/ . If you are curious about these historic and ongoing practices of collecting, preserving, and engaging with plant materials, including pine cones and seeds as well as leaves and flowers, plan to join us on February 5 at 11:00 am or 1pm.
All spaces are full, but Jan will have a wait list. Contact her to if you wish to be notified of openings. Note there will be a $10 charge upon registration. Space is limited, so we are having two tours, at 11 a.m. and at 1 p.m., with a group lunch between tours for those who are interested. Be sure to select your preferred tour time. The $10 donation to the Herbarium will be used to help support student work. Further instructions on timing, directions and parking will be sent to those signed up.
At noon those who are interested will convene for lunch.
Questions? Contact Sally Gregory Kohlstedt ([email protected]), Jan Morlock ([email protected]), or Cathy Lee Gierke ([email protected]).
Cancellations: Cancellations and refunds will be honored until Friday, Jan 31, 2025.
Upcoming Events
UMRA's special event for this winter will again be a celebration of brighter days and the approaching end of winter. We'll have food, fellowship, and music provided by Urban Sound, one of the U of M’s premier student a cappella ensembles.
Our February 3 hike will be around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis, with an option to add Bde Maka Ska, weather permitting. No matter how far we hike, let’s go to Isles Bun & Coffee for treats after the hike. Their buns are delicious!
Cabinets of Curiosity will seek out the University of Minnesota Herbarium on the St Paul Campus. Collections Manager Tim Whitfeld will share his knowledge of that amazing collection and explain its critical importance in the 21st century. Botanists study these pressed plants, individually and collectively, to establish a history of plant life, often over centuries, because they contain compelling evidence of the ever modulating geographical distribution of plants and evidence of how climate, pests, and other factors have changed species over time.
"Things that drive me crazy" will be the theme when the UMRA Photo Club meets on February 11. Newcomers are welcome.
Many life challenges that get in the way of quality of life and good health at home have little to do with medical issues. Cathy Lauring, our presenter for UMRA’s February 18 workshop, will explore a variety of resources to assist in keeping us healthy at home—including physical, emotional, cognitive, and financial services.
John Bantle will lead the discussion of A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson when the UMRA book club meets via Zoom on February 21.
Join UMRA members to watch two of the best hockey teams in the nation. UMRA has negotiated a discounted ticket price of $33.
Barbara Klick, RN, MBA, the presenter for UMRA’s February 25 Forum, has decades of experience working in human and veterinary medicine, and will bring her wisdom and perspective to our discussion about what we can learn from our pets about facing end-of-life challenges and decisions.
The Fourth Friday Book Club will meet via Zoom on February 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. CST to discuss The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.
Will Craig discusses using local sources for family history.
The UMRA Hiking Club will explore wildlife along the Mississippi River in Fort Snelling State Park. The 3.9-mile Pike Island Loop is generally considered an easy route and takes just over an hour. Hikers can leave at that point, or stay to add another short loop. The trail is located below the bluff on which the historic fort sits. The last time we were there we saw a lot of deer, and the river always provides fascinating views.
The University of Minnesota Archives, with its major holdings largely tucked away in two huge underground caverns along the Mississippi River under the West Bank campus, holds the essential records of our University of Minnesota’s past. University Archivist Erik Moore will explain the holdings and role of our extensive university archive and bring out a sampling of what it holds. At the end of our visit, he will conduct a tour of the literally cool caverns (Minnesota Library Access Center), revealing where these precious materials are housed, including the original tapes of KUOM, now Radio K.