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Meet Our Collections
The Natural History Collections Club has had the pleasure of visiting many amazing collections around Blacksburg, some of which are located right here on campus. To learn more about these collections, continue reading below:
Massey Herbarium
The Massey Herbarium is a collection of pressed plants and dried fungi. Its specimens are used in research and outreach. To tour the herbarium and its specimens, request a tour from the curator, Dr. Jordan Metzgar.
Derring Hall, Room 3017
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masseyherbarium.org
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Dr. Jordan Metzgar​
(540) 231-5746
metzgar@vt.edu
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Entomology Collection
The Entomology Collection is a collection of pinned insects and other preserved arthropods. Its specimens are used in research. To tour the Entomology Collection and its specimens, request a tour from the curator, Dr. Paul Marek.
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Museum of Geosciences
The Museum of Geosciences is a public museum that displays minerals and fossils. Its specimens are used to teach Virginia Tech students and the public about geosciences. The museum is free and open to the public from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday.
Derring Hall, Room 2062
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geos.vt.edu/museum-of-geosciences
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Llyn Sharp
(540) 231-4080
llyn@vt.edu
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Vertebrate Collection
The Vertebrate Collection is a collection of preserved animals, taxidermy, skeletons, pelts, eggs, and nests. Its specimens are used for research and teaching. To tour the Vertebrate Collection and its specimens, request a tour from the curator, Dr. Kevin Hamed.
Cheatham Hall, Room 133
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blogs.lt.vt.edu/cheathamspecimencollection
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Dr. Kevin Hamed
(540) 231-1887
khamed@vt.edu
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Dissection Lab
The Dissection Lab is a collection of skeletons from mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Its specimens are used for research, teaching, and outreach. To tour the Dissection Lab and its specimens, request a tour from the curator, Dr. Michelle Stocker.
Derring Hall, Room 1047
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paleo.geos.vt.edu/resources
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Dr. Michelle Stocker
(540) 231-8417
stockerm@vt.edu
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Bug Zoo
The Bug Zoo is a collection of living arthropods like beetles, cockroaches, tarantulas, scorpions, and so much more. Its specimens are used for outreach, especially at an annual event called Hokie BugFest. To tour the Bug Zoo and its specimens, request a tour from Grant Schiermeyer.
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Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine has a collection of taxidermy, skeletons, and preserved organs. Its specimens are used for teaching veterinary medicine at the college. To tour its collection, request a tour from April Huffman.
205 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061
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vetmed.vt.edu
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April Huffman
(540) 231-8992
aprilh78@exchange.vt.edu
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Hahn Horticulture Garden
The Hahn Horticulture Garden is home to beautiful plants and scenery. While not an official collection, it still offers a look at the natural world. The garden is free to the public and open from dawn to dusk.
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SEEDS - Blacksburg Nature Center
While not an official collection, the Blacksburg Nature Center aims to teach the public - especially children - about the natural world through living animals, gardens, taxidermy, skeletons, pinned insects, and educational activities. The nature center is free and open to the public Tuesday to Saturday.
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