Dawn Horse

Object: Models of the evolution of the horse, similar to drawing above

Year: Pre- 20th century

Creator: Unknown

Materials: Unknown

The collection held upstairs at the Wagner Museum is overwhelming. The Museum's mission is to preserve the history of the institution by preserving how the collection was displayed when it was first exhibited in the building. While this gives an incredible impression of what a 19th century museum looked like, the wealth of objects cause some of the smaller items (and their educational significance) to be lost in the crowd.

A prime example is the set of six models showing the evolution of the horse. These tiny objects are in a case on the side, and near the back of the exhibit, and are very nearly hidden. Also in the case are partial skeletons of a whale, a cave bear, a mastodon, and a sabre tooth cat. In the back are (very old-fashioned) drawings of cavemen hunting a cave bear. In other words, even if visitors stop to view this case, the horse models would be the last things to catch their attention. Finally, even if a visitor spots this tiny collection, the only information to be found is the latin labels of each model: starting from the earliest ancestor, Eohippus (translation: dawn horse), and going through Pliohippus, Mesohippus, Neohipparion, and Equus Scotti before reaching today's Equus Modern.

Of course the Wagner is unable to change the display, but particular programming could highlight these objects and also aid visitors in understanding scientific fields. Middle School aged children could learn about the evolutionary theory by following the horse and its ancestors back through history, noting the changes in anatomy and guessing how the environment impacted those changes. After showing the models and a picture of an Eohippus skeleton, an educator could ask why students think that horses are so much bigger now and no longer have toes.

Or, a school teacher or museum educator could introduce anthropology by exploring the humans and horses through history. Kids could learn how horses have been used to pull ancient chariots, in farm work, and for racing. Or a particular incident of man's relationship with horses could be discussed in-depth. An example could be how horses, not native to the Americas, were introduced by the Spanish in the 16th century. Later, they revolutionized the way of life for the Cheyanne and other Plains Indians to such a degree that they were called "sacred dogs."

This would not have to be permanent programming, but it could be constructive to routinely checking the collection to see what could be highlighted.