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Authors: Diana Fruh and Dylan Fruh Many hours are spent each year maintaining the specimens in the collection here at the museum. Four generations of the May family have worked on this critical project. Currently, RJ Steer and Lynn Steer head up the team that works on preserving the insects. Enjoy some of the behind the scenes pictures. Authors: Diana Fruh and Dylan Fruh The annual tarantula migration is upon us here in southern Colorado. In honor of this yearly event, we created a video with some of the tarantulas here on display at the May Museum. Many of our specimens are actually from Colorado. Although they aren't as large as their Central and South American cousins they are just as impressive. After you've toured the May Museum, take a stroll through our gift shop. You'll be sure to find an unique souvenir from your visit. We feature many local artists and craftsman. Authors: Diana Fruh and Dylan Fruh Over the years, many museum visitors have asked about our unique Tiki statutes. In the 1950s, John and Vicky May operated the museum in Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida. John designed and built the museum building. Along with members of his family, they designed the museum motif and gave it a tropical feel. The three Tiki statues were hand carved by John from palm trees. The behind-the-scenes story, as told by John himself is as follows. The three characters from left to right are the Chief's wife, the Medicine Man and the Chief. As the wife looks on nervously, the Medicine Man informs the Chief that his wife is pregnant with their tenth child. Authors: Diana Fruh and Dylan Fruh John and Vicky May operated the May Museum for several years during the 1950s in Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida. Check out our historical pictures from that era. Authors: Diana Fruh and Dylan Fruh This fantastic little fellow visited the museum grounds. It is commonly known as the "hummingbird moth". You can see how it gets that nickname as it resembles the bird in flight as it feeds on deep-lobed flowers. Authors: Diana Fruh and Dylan Fruh John and Vicky May traveled the United States from coast to coast in the 1930's and 1940's. James, John's father, and collector of insects, often joined them on these journeys. Twin daughters, Lynda and Louise spent their youth with the family traveling. Glen May, John's youngest brother accompanied them on several trips as well. There were no campgrounds back then so the Mays either lived in the "Blue Box" or rented a room. A tent awning was set up on the side of the Blue Box protecting them from sun and weather with additional tents set up along side. Cooking was done on hot plates and water had to be heated for cleaning. It was a rough way to earn a living for this growing family. Author: Diana Fruh
The summer season is upon us and now is the time to plan your vacation. There are so many fun things to do in our fair city and the May Museum is just one of them. Our friend, Paul Joseph from www.travelmag.com, has put together a fantastic list of things to do on a budget in Colorado Springs. Check out his article and start planning your outings today. www.cheaphotels.org/budget-traveler/things-to-do-colorado-springs-summer-2023/ Author: Diana Fruh In the summer of 2014 Andre Zimmerman, great-grandson of John May, worked in collaboration with the Youth Documentary Academy to film Bug Out. The documentary short is a look into the May family and the incredible legacy of the May Museum. Author: Diana Fruh Why did the tarantula cross the road? Most likely it's a male looking for a mate. In Colorado, September is the time of year when these furry eight-legged friends are most active. Look for them along highways and roads especially in southern Colorado. Take a peek at this fellow we captured on film near the museum building. |
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May Natural History Museum