Ronald Sterne Wilkinson Memorabilia Collection

Ronald Sterne Wilkinson was a science historian, entomologist, and environmentalist, who retired from the Library of Congress in 2008 after 38 years of service. In 1975, Wilkinson was appointed Associate in Bibliography at the American Museum of Natural History Library. This collection comprises materials Dr. Wilkinson collected, reflecting his interest and work within his fields of study, particularly science history and entomology. There are 11 microscopes, along with slides and accompanying parts, made between 1760 and 1930, which showcase the evolution of this scientific technology. The collection also includes entomologic items such as killing boxes and wooden specimen cases, and insect nets used by Dr. Wilkinson to collect Lepidoptera around 1965. These items demonstrate how insects were collected and stored in the 19th and 20th century.