A Museum at War: Snapshots of the Natural History Museum During World War One

Delve into the untold story of the Natural History Museum's crucial, yet often overlooked, contributions to Britain's war effort during World War One. In "A Museum at War: Snapshots of the Natural History Museum During World War One," author Karolyn Shindler unveils a fascinating narrative gleaned from the Museum's own monthly reports to its Trustees a remarkable archive detailing the institution's unexpected wartime endeavors. Far from its usual pursuits of scientific research and public education, the Natural History Museum transformed into a vital resource for the British government. With sixty-one members of staff enlisting in the military (thirteen of whom tragically lost their lives), the Museum experienced profound change, and its routine operations were significantly disrupted. However, the absence of those men created a space for others, and the museum played a vital role in the war, in ways they never expected. Shindler expertly illuminates how fourteen government departments including the Admiralty, the War Office, and the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries turned to the Museum's scientists for their unparalleled expertise and innovative thinking. These scientists, whose names are sadly overlooked in mainstream war narratives, were consulted on a staggering array of wartime challenges. From the seemingly simple, yet vital, issue of protecting soldiers from disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes, flies, and lice, to the surprisingly complex challenges of airship construction and the application of protective coloration (camouflage, as it became known) based on observations of the natural world, the Museum's contributions were diverse and impactful. Explore the innovative thinking of the scientists as they observed nature and the protective coloration that animals use to hide, to give suggestions on how war materials could be camouflaged. "A Museum at War" further explores the less conventional areas where the Museum's expertise was sought. Discover the intriguing role of whales and seagulls in anti-submarine warfare strategies, revealing the innovative, if somewhat unorthodox, approaches taken during a time of unprecedented conflict. Shindler paints a vivid picture of the dedication and ingenuity of the Museum's staff as they grappled with these urgent demands, showcasing their commitment to applying their scientific knowledge to the war effort. This meticulously researched and engagingly written account reveals a hidden chapter in the history of both the Natural History Museum and Great Britain during World War One. Karolyn Shindler, drawing upon primary source material and a deep understanding of the period, brings to life the stories of the individuals who stepped up to serve their country in unexpected ways. "A Museum at War" is a must-read for anyone interested in the social history of science, the impact of World War One on British society, or the surprising ways in which institutions can adapt and contribute during times of crisis. This hardcover edition, published by the Natural History Museum, London, offers a compelling and accessible narrative supported by 232 pages of insightful analysis and historical detail. A great gift for history buffs!