Watsonville native Richard Gurnee pioneered a freeze-drying technique that revolutionized the field of scientific taxidermy. Though he passed away in late 2022, his legacy will live on through the many organizations that share his specimens with the community through nature centers, museums, and educational programs.
Join the Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and Watsonville Wetlands Watch for a look back on his life and celebrate his lasting legacy.
Resources
- Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History’s In Memorium: Richard Gurnee
- Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History’s Collections Close-Up: Soft Bodied and Suspended
- Pajaronian’s A Life, Preserved: In memory of famed local taxidermist Richard Gurnee
- Watsonville Wetlands Watch’s Richard Gurnee, Taxidermist Extraordinaire
- Courtesy Mitch Phillips, Video of Mr. Gurnee preparing a rattlesnake
- Facebook: First Impressions Taxidermy, Email: firstimpressionstaxidermy@gmail.com