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THE MUMFORD HERBARIUM

JESSY KLEIN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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A systematically arranged collection of dried plants.

Herbarium:

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History

    • C.J. Mumford, a Minnesota Native and plant enthusiast
    • Received his PhD in Ethnobotany
    • Collected specimens to preserve the Upper Midwest’s natural ecosystem
    • Opened the herbarium in 1934 for education and conservation
    • Passed in 1964

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Our Mission:

The Mumford Herbarium aims to collect, curate, and study the Midwest’s native flora, while actively documenting invasive species. Through our research and preservation, we hope to educate and empower future generations to conserve our diverse ecosystems.

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(CBC News, 2017)

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Collection Scope

2,500 bryophytes including mosses, hornworts, and liverworts. As well as 7,700 lichen specimens.

Bryophytes & Lichens

Around 60% of the overall collection, including cones, fruits, and seeds. All vascular plants in the collection are native to the Midwest.

Vascular Plants

The majority of the collection, including both land and aquatic invasive species from the Midwest

Invasive Plants

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Within the Minnesota Natural History Museum...

Separate storage for the invasive collection and non-invasive collection to prevent contamination and escape.

Both collections also have their own freezer room, where specimens are frozen for over week to mitigate the risk of a pest infestation

Separate Storage Spaces

Display

Workspace

The non-invasive collection will have a workspace on the first floor of the museum with a large window so guests can witness how specimens are mounted.

Freezer

Room

(The Science Museum of Minnesota, n.d.)

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Storage and Environment

Herbarium Storage Cabinet

    • Storage kept between 50-65 degrees
    • Relative humidity fluctuates in summer months
    • Display room kept at 67 degrees, displays rotate
    • Unique keycode entry to all herbarium spaces
    • Maintained by herbarium staff
    • Specimens mounted on Acid-free paper
    • Organized by family and genus, and region for invasive specimens

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Example Specimen

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The relocation of the herbarium requires updated assessments and documentation. While the museum is new, there are new environmental concerns.

The herbarium is located within the basement of MNHM. This increases the likelyhood of water intrusion and fluctuations in the environment.

An assessment of the forested surrounding is necessary due to the invasive species collection. An assessment can assist in preventing and managing an escape.

Reasons for Assessments

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Emergency Plan

    • MNHM has an established plan
    • No need to duplicate certain topics
    • Main threat - Escape
      • requires outside assistance
      • Makes the invasives high on the salvage list
      • If managed early, we save money
      • If not managed...disaster

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Other Risks

    • Leaks and floods
    • Loss of power
    • Fire
    • Theft
    • Pests

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(Allnatt, 2011)

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Emergency Plan Outline

    • Introduction
    • Procedures for staff
      • Emergency call list
      • Safety checklist
      • Emergency responses to Identified risks
    • Institutional Info
      • Floor plans
      • Insurance documents
    • Stabilization
    • Salvage priorities list
    • Salvage procedures
      • Flowchart
    • Recovery plans

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Let’s Continue C.J. Mumford’s Mission...

By allowing us to utilize funding to conduct the necessary risk assessments, we’ll be able to write a comprehensive Emergency Plan. This plan will help us mitigate risk and protect our collections so that we can continue our mission of educating the public on the Midwest’s natural history for many more years....

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References

Allnatt, G. (2011, May 19). Pests! Curatorial Trainee. https://curatorialtrainee.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/pests/

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Australian National Botanic Gardens, Parks Australia. Disaster Plan - Herbarium - Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research - CANBR. Australian National Botanic Gardens, Parks Australia, https://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/disaster-plan/1-Introduction.html.

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Conserve O Gram: Preparing and Storing Herbarium Specimens. National Park Service, Nov. 2009, https://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/11-12.pdf.

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“Developing a Disaster Preparedness/Emergency Response Plan.” American Alliance of Museums, n.d., http://download.aaslh.org/Emergency+Preparedness+Resources/Developing+a+Disaster+Preparedness+Emergency+Response+Plan-American+Alliance+of+Museums.pdf

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Harvey, Ross, and Mahard, Martha R. “Chapter 4: Disaster and Security Planning.” The Preservation Management Handbook: A 21st-Century Guide for Libraries, Archives, and Museums, 2nd. ed., Rowman & Littlefield, 2020, pp. 53 -73.

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Risk Evaluation Planning Program (REPP). (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://www.culturalheritage.org/resources/emergencies/risk-evaluation-and-planning-program

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