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Blog

New in 2022 at the May Museum

6/15/2022

By Diana Fruh and Dylan Fruh
​This year has seen some major upgrades and improvements to the museum. Join us for a closer look at everything that's new in 2022 at the May Museum in this latest video edition.

Where is the bug? Herkimer's Journey Part Four

6/7/2022

By: Diana Fruh and Dylan Fruh
After a seven week absence on June 6, 2022, Herkimer now fully restored returned to his post on the May Family property along highway 115. Taking the giant Hercules beetle apart was a much simpler process than putting him back together. Over the course of several days, his larger body parts were put back in place using our backhoe and a lot of man power. Then his legs were welded and the entire structure secured.

Where is the Bug? Herkimer's Journey Part Three

5/27/2022

By: Diana Fruh and Dylan Fruh
On May 3, 2022 Herkimer, the World's Largest Beetle was transported off the May Family Property for the first time in sixty eight years. He was driven in a pickup truck and trailer to the airport hangar of Gene Kear, professional Aircraft Refinisher. With the help of May Family Members, Dave DeVere and Mike Woolf, Herkimer was sanded, primed and painted. Gene donated about three weeks of his time to restore the giant Hercules beetle. After which, Herkimer was returned to the May Family Property for reassembly.

Where is the Bug? Herkimer's Journey Part Two

5/26/2022

By: Diana Fruh and Dylan Fruh
​Over the course of four days and through a painstaking process, Herkimer was sanded, patched with fiberglass and coated with resin. Artist, Mark Cline, orchestrated the entire process and members of the May family participated as well. May Museum founder, John May, designed and built Herkimer in 1949. Now seventy-three years later, May’s grandchildren, RJ Steer, Lynn Steer and grandson-in-law, Mike Woolf were hands on participants in the repair project.
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Where is the Bug? Herkimer's Journey Part One

5/25/2022

by: Diana Fruh and Dylan Fruh
On April 18, 2022 Herkimer, the world’s largest beetle and guardian of the May Museum began the first leg on his journey of restoration.  The May family worked diligently to dismantle and move him to the indoor pavilion located on the Golden Eagle Ranch property. It had been decades since any major work had been done on the giant Hercules Beetle. He was in dire need of repair lest he be lost forever. At substantial cost, the May family hired professional artist, sculptor and owner of Enchanted Castles Studio, Mark Cline,  to complete the repairs. 


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