iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Replies

Eric Scott @captainfossil.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

For #FossilFriday: holotype of the extinct Pleistocene bison species Bison antiquus, one of millions of specimens housed in the collections of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University - the oldest natural history museum in the US, now slated for permanent closure on 30 September. 🧪

Bison antiquus holotype (ANSP 12990) braincase with left horn core, shown in posterior view (top) and dorsal view (bottom). From McDonald & Scott (2023), The Pleistocene Fauna of Big Bone Lick, Boone County, Kentucky: A Rich History and Unanswered Questions

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Eric Scott @captainfossil.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Sadly, poor management by Drexel University has led to the ill-conceived decision to close the Academy Museum and sell the property. While Drexel says it's "just" the nearly 200-year old Museum closing, "the Academy remains committed to public engagement and education". Right. 🙄

Mounted skeleton of Bison antiquus, on display at the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum in Los Angeles, California. The LA museum is currently undergoing renovation costing $234 million - showing how some museums take their exhibits & outreach seriously & work to develop funding for their efforts.

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Eric Scott @captainfossil.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I understand that times are tough and museums are fighting for funding. The thing is, though, that many natural history museums in the US are fighting *successfully* for funding, because museum workers are passionate & recognize the importance of their efforts. Not so Drexel University, apparently.

Skull of Bison "crassicornis" on display at the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka, MT - population <400, yet they somehow managed to generate $300k to expand the Museum despite being located in the middle of nowhere.

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