The Science of History

The Science of History: Big Bone Lick’s Role in Changing How We See the World

Dr. Brenda Hunda, Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology at the Cincinnati Museum Center, will discuss how Big Bone Lick has influenced world knowledge. Known as the Birthplace of American Vertebrate Paleontology, Big Bone Lick is steeped in historic and scientific significance. At Thomas Jefferson’s request, in 1806 William Clark visited Big Bone Lick and conducted the first vertebrate paleontology dig in the Western Hemisphere. Bones from extinct Pleistocene mega fauna have been studied by many famous scientists and have resided in museums, the White House, and as far away as the Natural History Museum in France. Their study resulted in the development of new concepts such as extinction, climate change, and evolution.