Descubra el Desierto - Bird Hats and Broncos: The Life of a Female Naturalist November 18, 2008

Mrs. Florence Merriam Bailey has just returned from her summer in the Territory of New Mexico. She and her husband, Vernon, have been busy exploring, camping and studying the natural features of the area, especially the birds. Come listen to Mrs. Baileys stories about how she began her career as a naturalist and about her travels throughout the Southwest. Her delightful stories will explore the history of ornithology and give her impressions of New Mexico in the years before Statehood.

A prominent female ornithologist in the early 1900s, Mrs. Bailey was a noted activist against the slaughter of birds for hats and early conservationist. During her life time, she wrote and spoke to audiences across the country in hopes of encouraging people to take an interest in bird-watching. She produced many popular works of non-fiction, particularly her greatest contribution The Birds of New Mexico published in 1928.

Ms. Steinhorst is a Masters student in Public History at New Mexico State University. She is currently researching the life of Florence Merriam Bailey and her years spent in New Mexico. Ms. Steinhorst has been performing historical characters for six years, and works as an interpretive park ranger with the National Park Service when not in school.

For information about this, or any of our other programs call the Museum of Natural History at 522-3120.