The nationally acclaimed High Desert Museum is dedicated to broadening the understanding of the High Desert's wildlife, culture, art and natural resources. In doing so, it strives to promote thoughtful decision making to sustain the region's natural and cultural heritage.
History
From the dreams of a young biology student ....
Donald M. Kerr
Donald M. Kerr, a native of Portland, Oregon, founded the High
Desert Museum out of a passion for natural history that began
when he raised a wolf cub for his high school biology class.
This experience inspired his lifelong interest in environmental
issues and the lives of predatory animals. Out of the
belief that we can make well-informed decisions if we
understand all sides of an issue, he envisioned a new kind of
museum that would show the close connections between people and
their environment.
"I've raised a wolf and two great horned owls," Kerr said.
"I've been lucky to have these experiences that aren't possible
for most people. I wanted to bring others closer to nature, to
experience it, to learn to maintain it."
Kerr's dream became a reality through the creation of the
Western Natural History Institute in 1974, and its evolution
into The Oregon High Desert Museum, which opened in Bend in
1982. To give it a greater regional role, the name became the
High Desert Museum. Today, the Museum remains true to his
guiding principle that education and experience are the basis
for thoughtful decisions.
Mission
Through exhibits, wildlife, and living history, the High Desert Museum creates learning experiences to help audiences discover their connection to the past, their role in the present, and their responsibility to the future.
