ESU Brings Taxidermy to Life

A taxidermic grizzly bear in the Schisler Museum of Wildlife and Natural History Photo Credit / Chris Powers
A taxidermic grizzly bear in the Schisler Museum of Wildlife and Natural History Photo Credit / Chris Powers
A taxidermic grizzly bear in the Schisler Museum of Wildlife and Natural History
Photo Credit / Chris Powers

By Emma Skilton
SC Contributing Writer

Located deep in the depths of the Hoeffner Science and Technology Center is the home of over 100 wildlife specimens ranging from ducks to caribou.

The Schisler Museum of Wildlife and Natural History, completed in 2013, is the life work of Arthur and Fannie Schisler, two ESU graduates who spent over 40 years developing this collection.

Upon entering the museum, visitors come face to face with a towering polar bear. But no worries, the polar bear, along with all the other animals on display, were taxidermic. As you turn to the left, an animal resembling a buffalo meets you. He is our resident muskox.

Walking through the museum, guests experience animals from the Frozen North, the Cold Forest, Canyon Country, and more. Each animal has its own unique background, and together they tell a story that spans the globe. All without having to leave the comforts of East Stroudsburg.

The animals include all species of deer, moose, and ducks found in North America, as well as a variety of caribou and bears. Other interesting animals include a leopard, bighorn sheep, and a tusk from a narwhal. If you look closely you may be able to find cicada shells, screech owls, and a variety of snakes.

Tour guides, members of our ESU community, are readily available to answer questions, point out hidden creatures, and provide private tours of the museum and exhibits.

Not only does the museum feature five world-class exhibits of habitats in Africa, North America, and the like, but it also offers a Delaware River aquarium and insects from around the world.

Four touch screens, an amphitheater, and various hands-on specimens allow for visitors to experience the environment in a new and exciting way whilst broadening their knowledge of the natural world.

Although private tours will not be available unless requested, the museum will be available to the ESU community during the upcoming Family Weekend.

On Friday, September 26, the museum will be open from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and it will also be open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the next day.

For those unable to attend Family Weekend, the museum will also be open on October 25 and October 26 for Homecoming Weekend.

The museum will open to the general public at a later date. Until then, the museum looks to expand its programs with educational discussions and live animal presentations.

Email Emma at:
eskilton@live.esu.edu