In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the Edward Harris bird collection, the Historical Society of Moorestown is presenting a special exhibit, “Treasure in the Barn,” at the Smith-Cadbury Mansion. The exhibit will include bird specimens from the Harris collection (on loan from the Academy of Natural Sciences), the Harris chest of drawers recently donated to the historical society, photos, memorabilia, and more. The exhibit will run from Oct. 14 through February 2013.
Edward Harris (1799–1863), lived in the Smith-Cadbury mansion and was an enthusiastic naturalist and ornithologist. He was one of John James Audubon’s best friends and most ardent financial supporter. Harris had a sizeable and scientifically significant bird collection. Some of the birds he collected on expeditions with Audubon, including the famous trip up the Missouri River in 1843. This collection, which was housed in a large chest of drawers, disappeared for many years but was rediscovered in 1937.
In addition to the exhibit, the historical society will host a special guest speaker at its fall meeting. Robert McCracken Peck, senior fellow at the Academy of Natural Sciences, naturalist, historian and best-selling author, will give a presentation (complete with lots of great images) that will focus on the 1843 Missouri River expedition of Audubon and Harris. He will discuss the expedition’s purpose and results.
The meeting will take place at the Moorestown Community House, 16 East Main Street, on Thursday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served following the presentation.
All are invited to attend. For more information, visit the Moorestown Historical Society’s website.
