Chicago City Wire

The Field Museum in Chicago has achieved a significant milestone by digitizing over 250,000 items and records from its vast collection of nearly forty million specimens. This effort is part of an initiative led by community scientists who have formed a Collections Club to make these resources more accessible to researchers worldwide.

Community scientists, sometimes referred to as citizen scientists, play a crucial role in this project. The museum recently published a scientific paper highlighting their contributions and offering guidance for other institutions interested in similar collaborations. Matt von Konrat, Head of Botanical Collections at the Field Museum and lead author of the paper, stated, "What's remarkable is how the enthusiasm has sustained and grown."

Since 2015, more than 3,800 volunteers have contributed over 13,500 hours to digitize and catalog specimens. Their work has made valuable data available globally. Von Konrat emphasized that "the Collections Club reflects this mission by transforming over 300,000 specimens into a digital and physical legacy."

The program adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting to virtual participation while maintaining strong community connections. Volunteer Robert Salm noted that his work with the museum provided stability during uncertain times.

The initiative also inspires young scientists. Two fifth-grade students created a "Mobile Museum" after participating in the program. The Blake family remarked that “Collections Club makes science tangible, accessible, and real.”

Von Konrat acknowledged local media's role in promoting the program: "This success story wouldn't have been possible without Chicago's vibrant media landscape helping us reach new audiences." The research paper detailing this project was published in Natural History Collections and Museomics.

For those interested in joining future efforts at the Field Museum, information about upcoming events can be found through their Collections Club.