Elizabeth P. Niedringhaus
Elizabeth Niedringhaus began her career at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in 1963. Though she was officially a part of the Arts and Exhibitions Department, Niedringhaus was a vital component of the later installments in Botany Hall. She prepared the models for the Presque Isle Habitat group (1965), Pennsylvania Hardwood Forest (1973), and the Kitchen of Herbs Diorama (1976). To help build these dioramas, Niedringhaus created a team of volunteers, many of which came from the women’s university Chatham.
The techniques she developed for creating realistic plant and fungi models were highly innovative. Her efforts soon became known to museums around the world. Museums in India and South Africa invited Niedringhaus to teach her techniques to their staff. Other museums sent representatives to her studio to learn directly from her. Niedringhaus outline these perfected techniques in her book, Second Nature.
Niedringhaus’s case highlights shifts within the museum world and society on the treatment of women working in the sciences. During the early years of the museum, when women like Hanne von Fuehrer began working, opportunities were very limited and gaining recognition for one's work could be difficult. The 1960s was an era where women were rapidly gaining more rights in society and in the workforce. This is what gave Niedringhaus agency within the museum, allowing her to put together teams of volunteers. As time continues, doors will only continue to open up and more opportunities will present themselves for women working in the sciences.
