At first glance, AVES: A Survey of the Literature of Neotropical Ornithology may seem like just another exhibit at Hill Memorial Library. The exhibit, however, isn’t that simple.
The exhibit glorifies explorers, current and historical, telling their stories while showing the fruits of their labors.
AVES contains pictures and writings about the animals, plants and places they discovered in the neotropical region, or Central and South America.
The display focuses on tropical birds that were and still are being discovered in the region.
The exhibit was the brainchild of Tom Taylor, an antique book dealer from San Antonio. Taylor wanted to honor the old and new explorers of Central and South America through the exhibit.
“Their exploits and contributions are largely forgotten today,” Taylor said. “AVES attempts to bring them back into the spotlight, to access and appreciate what they did.”
Elaine Smyth, head of special collections at Hill, also explained how and why Taylor wanted to make the exhibit.
She said Taylor created the exhibit because there were no reference works that highlighted the ornithologists (bird studiers) of South America.
After the exhibit ends, Taylor plans to make a permanent online catalog for future use. Smyth said Taylor got the books for the display from the McIlhenny collection and the bird specimens from the LSU Museum of Natural Science.
True to Taylor’s idea, the exhibit is equally divided into two halves. The bottom floor records more recent explorations into Peru and Costa Rica from the ’70s, ’80s and 2000s. The photos show the expeditions of John O’Neil and Ted Parker, two scientists who worked with the LSU Museum of Natural Science.
The top floor highlights the works and stories of the original explorers of South America, from the 1600s to the 1800s.
Many of these explorers were the first to document South America.
Many of the books in the display, especially on the upper floor, are very rare  — the rarest piece being a book of lithographs by illustrator J.T. Descourtilz. Written in 1843, it is one of only two known copies. Smyth said it is thought to be the artist’s copy.
Smyth said the books are normally kept in dark cases inside the library, which would stretch for nearly 26 miles if lined up side to side. The library also has a fire suppression system to keep the ancient tomes safe.
Flash photography is also banned to avoid damaging exhibit materials.
Smyth said she hopes the exhibit will draw in a broader audience.
Michael Taylor, assistant curator of books, also believes the exhibit serves a broad audience.
“People tend to forget that the museum has more than just Audubon books,” he said.
AVES: A Survey of the Literature of Neotropical Ornithology will be shown in the Hill Memorial Library until September 10th. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
 
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Contact Cameron Warren at [email protected]