William Leach visits OSU to talk about Butterfly People

William Leach, Professor of History at Columbia University visited OSU to deliver a seminar to the OSU History Department on his upcoming book: Butterfly People, to be published by Pantheon Books next year. 

His talk, entitled "Tropical Wings: Imperialism in the Butterfly Zone" examined the rise of the late 19th century fascination with butterflies and examined both the socio-political context and individuals related to this phenomenon.

In between his formal presentation and a less forma presenation the following afternoon, Dr. Leach, took some time to stop by the Oregon State Arthropod Collection to see some of our butterflies and talk informally about his own experiences with butterfly collecting, butterfly collectors and museums.

More information about William Leach and his publication can be found at his website:

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/history/fac-bios/Leach/faculty.html