Balancing discovery and education in natural history collections

Overview & Synopsis

At the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG), we recognize the importance of natural history collections as tools for scientific discovery and public education. Historically, the QVMAG entomological collection was modest. However, the recent growth of the collection, driven by dedicated staff, fieldwork, and donations, has allowed for significant expansion, including the development of an outreach collection aimed at engaging the public. These outreach specimens are essential for educational initiatives but require careful management to ensure their durability in public-facing roles. The "BUGS" STEAM gallery will showcase these specimens, integrating them into interactive displays and educational programs designed to inspire curiosity about insects and arthropods. We discuss the challenges of maintaining a dedicated outreach collection, including curatorial practices, conservation, and balancing the needs of scientific research with community engagement. We propose that outreach collections be viewed as distinct entities, supported by collaboration between curatorial and educational teams to ensure both scientific integrity and long-term sustainability.