Puget Sound Museum of Natural History name restored as of 17 May 2023
The University of Puget Sound recently made the decision to remove the name James R. Slater from the museum and return it to its original name, Puget Sound Museum of Natural History. This name change will take time as we create new campus/museum signage and work to edit our website and online presence, but the name change takes effect immediately. To learn more about the name change and Slater’s problematic history, you can read the university’s official statement and check out the History of Eugenics at Puget Sound and Beyond website. (17 May 2023)
Gordon A. Alcorn, 1974 Puget Sound Museum of Natural History
“At the suggestion of a number of people I am persuaded that I should jot down brief sketches of the lives of past and present scientists who have contributed greatly to the Museum. It occurs to me also rather abruptly that I am the only living person who knew Kitchin and Bowles well and had the rare privilege of spending many years with them in their homes, at meetings and in the field. I have tried to point out some of the personable characteristics of both Kitchin and Bowles. One would have to have known them fully to realize what colorful men they were in the prime of their scientific lives. Even today I find myself thinking as these men and on occasions even using expressions ‘borrowed’ from them.
“It is probable that more elaborate sketches should be made of the present-day members of our Museum community. Too often modesty prevents a fuller outline of accomplishments. Overlooking this fact, we should never forget that we are building all aspects of the Museum for the years to come and not just for today or tomorrow.
"The following brief history of certain individuals involved in the past and present work of the Museum is to be regarded as only preliminary to future additions to the lives of all concerned. We must continue to add pictures of a personal nature, add accomplishments and copies of all publications. Generations come and go but ‘accomplishments go on forever.’” Gordon A. Alcorn 1974.
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