134-3 International Geoheritage Distinction Originating from the Efforts of a Gentleman Paleontologist: The Enhanced Education, Research and Community Outreach Potential of the Thomas A. Greene Geological Museum

Session: Crossing Boundaries: Histories of Geoheritage

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The Thomas A. Greene Geological Museum collection at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee was awarded the prestigious distinction in 2024 as the first geological collection in the western hemisphere recognized by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) Sub commission on Geo-Collections, as a Geoheritage collection “of global importance because of its particularly high scientific, historical or educational relevance for geological sciences.”  This distinction was earned due to the collection’s extensive documentation which demonstrates the scientific value and use of collections made by a 19th-century amateur naturalist. This irreplaceable collection contains ~55,000 mostly Silurian and Devonian fossils, ~12,000 minerals, and original archival materials, and is associated with several important paleontological discoveries of the 1800s, notably Silurian reef fossils. The collection has been maintained in an academic setting in Milwaukee at the wishes of Greene himself and his descendants since 1911. 

As this Geoheritage distinction is notable to the geology and paleontology education and research communities, celebrated by the University and local and state media, and is anticipated to lead to digitization and research opportunities, it also provides an avenue for the community to engage in science and discovery.  Public outreach events, using the Greene collection as a ‘centerpiece’, provide significant opportunities to tell a story to the community about how the hobby of a ‘gentleman paleontologist’ of Milwaukee in the 19th century’ is inspiring and educating students, enthusiasts, and scientists of the 21st century. The most ambitious and captivating of these community events is the annual Darwin Day celebration of science, community, and history of Milwaukee.  This event alone engages hundreds of community members for a single day to interact with the collection and its enthusiastic partners.  Other events have led to contributions and offer of loaned displays, most recently, a loaned private display of a spectacular mineral collection from China. 

The opportunities presented by this Geoheritage designation, combined with ongoing support from volunteers, the community and Greene family descendants, allow the geoscience educators of today to inspire the next generation of scientists and recruit more students into Earth science fields, which is especially important at a time of declining natural science enrollments.  With optimism, the Thomas Greene Museum staff, supporters, and friends anticipate greater opportunities for advancement due to its international geo-collection status. 

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-9881

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