I recently visited the Carnegie Museum of Natural History with a friend who was visiting from Michigan. She was fascinated with the extensive, preserved displays. However, when we reached the Egyptian area, we were confronted with a sign letting us know the bones, mummies and sarcophagus displays were going to be removed . The sign reads, in part “The Carnegie Museum of Natural History strives to be a place of learning where everyone feels respected. We no longer believe that displaying human remains supports this vision, so we are changing our practices.”
What is wrong here? These are educational displays. And exactly who (individuals and or groups) has expressed displeasure with these displays? I would like to know. Frankly, I think the museum is just kowtowing to rumors and there is no concrete basis for removing these displays.
How about we put this to a vote? Seems to me this would be the most fair way to resolve this “problem.” Let the general public (those of us paying money to visit this top-notch facility) decide if these displays should be removed or remain. There will always be someone unhappy with the results, but at least this would be a fair way to settle it.
I think it’s pathetic that this fascinating exhibit is on the verge of extinction. I have loved this section of the museum since I was a child, as did my own children. The next thing we’ll hear is how the dinosaurs and the taxidermy displays are offensive, too.
Andrew Carnegie would be rolling over in his grave.
Melissa Good
Upper St. Clair