Burke Museum

We’re experimenting with a new lab technique! Using sheets of low temperature thermoplastic made out of an archival adhesive, we can protect portions of our dinosaur we’re not currently working on and even keep delicate areas from falling apart when moving them. When we’re ready to take the shrink wrap off we just peel it off or use acetone (nail polish remover) to dissolve it.

Rod Crawford is the leading spider expert in Washington state with more than 50 years of experience in the field. He is also the curator of arachnids here at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture.

Is that spider dangerous? Giant house spider is the official common name for the species of spider you see in the video and while it is technically capable of biting, its venom is not dangerous to humans, and it is known to be docile. Rod has held many giant house spiders over the years in his bare hands and has used them as a hands-on demonstration with first graders in school programs.

Taha Ebrahamini is the author of “Street Trees of Seattle: An Illustrated Walking Guide” and will be giving a talk right here at the Burke on Thursday, May 14. Want to discover which neighborhood has the highest concentration of cherry street trees when cherry blossoms are at their peak? Curious how monkey puzzle trees made their way to the city? Get your tickets now: https://www.burkemuseum.org/calendar/author-talk-street-trees-seattle