How to Find the Bob R. Simpson Bird Collection in Fort Worth

The Bob R. Simpson Bird Collection is one of the most significant ornithological research archives in the southern United States, housed within the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Named after the prominent Texas businessman and conservationist Bob R. Simpson, this collection comprises over 15,000 meticulously preserved bird specimens, including rare and extinct species, meticulously cataloged for scientific study, education, and biodiversity documentation. For researchers, students, bird enthusiasts, and history-minded visitors, locating and accessing this collection is not merely a matter of direction—it’s an opportunity to engage with a living archive of avian evolution, migration patterns, and ecological change across North America.

Unlike public exhibits that showcase taxidermy birds in curated dioramas, the Simpson Bird Collection functions as a working scientific repository. Access is restricted to qualified individuals and requires advance coordination. Many assume it is open to walk-ins or easily found on a museum map, but this is a common misconception. Understanding how to properly locate, request access to, and navigate the collection is essential for anyone seeking to utilize its resources. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to successfully find and engage with the Bob R. Simpson Bird Collection in Fort Worth, including insider tips, institutional protocols, and practical tools to ensure a productive and respectful visit.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm the Collection’s Location and Institutional Affiliation

Before beginning your journey, it is critical to understand where the Bob R. Simpson Bird Collection is physically and administratively located. It is not a standalone museum or public gallery. The collection is part of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s (FWMSH) permanent research holdings and is housed in the museum’s off-site Science and Research Center, located at 1717 Foch Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107. This facility is separate from the main museum campus at 1600 Gendy Street and is not open for general public tours.

Many online searches mistakenly direct users to the main museum entrance, leading to confusion and wasted time. The collection is managed by the museum’s Department of Natural Sciences, which oversees biological research collections including birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. Always verify that you are seeking the research collection—not the public exhibits—when planning your visit.

Step 2: Review Access Eligibility Requirements

Access to the Bob R. Simpson Bird Collection is not granted to the general public. It is reserved for qualified individuals engaged in scientific research, academic study, or professional conservation work. Eligible users typically include:

• Graduate and postgraduate students in ornithology, biology, or ecology
• University faculty and researchers with peer-reviewed projects
• Professional ornithologists and wildlife biologists
• Museum curators and collection managers
• Authorized conservationists working with state or federal agencies

If you are a hobbyist birder, amateur photographer, or casual visitor, you will not be granted access to the collection storage areas. However, you may still be able to view digitized records or request information about specific specimens through the museum’s public outreach channels.

Step 3: Prepare Your Research Proposal

Access requests are evaluated based on the merit, scope, and relevance of your proposed work. You must submit a formal research proposal outlining:

• Your institutional affiliation
• The specific objectives of your study
• Which specimens you are requesting to examine (species, catalog numbers if known)
• How the collection will contribute to your research outcomes
• Your previous experience handling biological specimens
• Any planned publications or data outputs resulting from your visit

The proposal should be concise—no more than two pages—and written in professional academic language. Avoid vague statements such as “I’m interested in birds.” Instead, specify: “I am examining the morphological variation in Passerella iliaca specimens collected between 1950 and 1980 to assess shifts in wing length correlated with climate change in the Southern Plains.”

Step 4: Contact the Department of Natural Sciences

Initiate your request by emailing the museum’s Department of Natural Sciences at naturalsciences@fwhistory.org. Do not call or visit unannounced. The curatorial staff manage dozens of collections and rely on written correspondence for documentation and scheduling. In your email, include:

• Your full name and institutional affiliation
• Your research proposal as an attached PDF
• Your preferred dates for visitation (provide at least three options within a 6-week window)
• Your contact phone number and mailing address
• Any special handling requirements (e.g., gloves, lighting, photography permissions)

Response times typically range from 7 to 14 business days. If you do not receive a reply within two weeks, send a polite follow-up email. Do not assume silence means denial—staff are often managing multiple requests and fieldwork schedules.

Step 5: Await Approval and Receive Orientation Instructions

If your proposal is accepted, you will receive a formal confirmation email with:

• Approved visitation date and time
• Directions to the Science and Research Center (1717 Foch Street)
• Required identification (government-issued photo ID and institutional badge)
• Collection handling guidelines
• Photography and data use policies
• Contact person for the day of your visit

It is essential to read and follow these instructions precisely. Failure to comply with handling protocols may result in immediate termination of access and future denial of privileges.

Step 6: Prepare for Your Visit

On the day of your visit:

• Arrive 15 minutes early. The building does not have public reception; you must check in at the main door.
• Bring your ID, approval email, and any necessary equipment (notebooks, cameras with approved settings, measuring tools).
• Wear closed-toe shoes and avoid wearing strong perfumes or scents, which can damage specimens.
• Do not bring food, drinks, or bags into the collection area. Lockers are provided.
• Turn off all cell phones or set them to silent mode.

The collection is stored in climate-controlled cabinets under strict humidity and temperature regulation. Specimens are mounted on archival paper, housed in acid-free drawers, and labeled with handwritten or printed catalog tags. Each drawer is numbered and indexed in the museum’s internal database. You will be accompanied by a curator or collections manager during your visit and will not be permitted to access drawers independently.

Step 7: Document and Cite Your Findings

During your visit, you may photograph specimens under the museum’s photography policy. Flash is prohibited, and tripods may be allowed with prior approval. You may also take measurements, record data, or collect tissue samples—only if explicitly authorized in your proposal.

After your visit, you are required to submit a brief report summarizing your findings and how the collection contributed to your research. This is not optional—it is part of the ethical obligation to the museum and the broader scientific community. Additionally, any publications or presentations that use data from the Simpson Collection must include the following citation:

Bob R. Simpson Bird Collection, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Fort Worth, TX. Catalog Number: [insert number].

This ensures proper attribution and supports the long-term funding and preservation of the collection.

Best Practices

Respect the Integrity of the Collection

The specimens in the Bob R. Simpson Bird Collection represent decades, sometimes centuries, of scientific labor. Many were collected during expeditions that no longer occur due to conservation laws. Treat every specimen as irreplaceable. Never touch a specimen without gloves. Do not lean on cabinets. Do not rearrange labels or drawers. Even minor disturbances can compromise decades of cataloging work.

Plan Ahead—Months in Advance

Due to limited staffing and high demand from academic institutions, access slots are often booked 2–6 months in advance, especially during spring and fall migration study seasons. Begin your request process early. If your research has a deadline, include that in your proposal to help staff prioritize your request.

Know the Collection’s Scope

The Simpson Collection includes birds from across North America, with particular strength in specimens from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and the Great Plains. It contains over 200 species that are now rare or regionally extinct, including the Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius), Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis), and Bachman’s Warbler (Vermivora bachmanii). Familiarize yourself with the collection’s catalog before submitting your request. The museum provides a public-facing specimen database (see Tools and Resources) to help you identify relevant specimens.

Use Digital Resources Before Requesting Physical Access

Many specimens have been digitized with high-resolution photographs, measurement data, and collection locality records. Before requesting to view physical specimens, search the museum’s online catalog. You may find that your research questions can be answered without an in-person visit, saving time and reducing strain on the collection.

Collaborate with Local Institutions

Consider partnering with the University of Texas at Arlington’s Department of Biology or Texas Christian University’s Environmental Science program. These institutions have existing relationships with the FWMSH and may be able to facilitate access, co-supervise your visit, or provide logistical support.

Be Transparent About Your Intentions

Curators are more likely to approve requests from individuals who are open about their goals. If you are writing a book, creating an educational exhibit, or developing a citizen science app, say so. Transparency builds trust and often leads to additional support, such as access to unpublished field notes or connections with past collectors.

Follow Up After Your Visit

After completing your research, send a thank-you note to the curator and share a copy of your final publication or presentation. Many researchers do not do this, but it strengthens the museum’s case for continued funding and encourages future access for others.

Tools and Resources

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History – Natural Sciences Portal

The official portal for the Bob R. Simpson Bird Collection is accessible at https://www.fwhistory.org/natural-sciences. This site includes:

• A searchable database of over 12,000 cataloged bird specimens
• Maps of collection localities across Texas
• Historical context on collectors and expeditions
• Links to digitized field journals and photographs
• Downloadable access request forms

The database is updated quarterly and includes scientific names, collection dates, sex, geographic coordinates, and collector names. Use advanced filters to narrow results by species, decade, or county.

VertNet and iDigBio

The Simpson Collection is also aggregated into national biodiversity networks such as VertNet (http://vertnet.org) and iDigBio (https://www.idigbio.org). These platforms allow you to cross-reference the Simpson specimens with data from over 1,000 other U.S. natural history collections. Use these tools to identify patterns across regions or to confirm the rarity of a specimen you’re studying.

GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)

For international researchers, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (https://www.gbif.org) provides access to the Simpson Collection’s records through its global data portal. You can download occurrence data in CSV or Darwin Core format for use in GIS mapping or statistical analysis.

Ornithological Literature Archives

For context on the historical significance of the specimens, consult:

• The Auk – Journal of the American Ornithological Society
• Southwestern Naturalist – Covers regional avian research
• Texas Bird Records Committee Reports – Archives of rare sightings and collection events

Many of these journals are available through JSTOR, Google Scholar, or your university library. Search for “Bob R. Simpson” or “Fort Worth Museum bird collection” to find citations referencing specific specimens.

Local Ornithological Societies

Reach out to the North Texas Ornithological Club or the Texas Ornithological Society. These groups maintain informal networks of birders and researchers who have worked with the Simpson Collection. They may offer guidance, share unpublished tips, or even connect you with former curators.

Google Maps and Satellite View

To avoid confusion, use Google Maps to navigate directly to 1717 Foch Street, Fort Worth, TX. The building is a low-rise, industrial-style structure with minimal signage. Do not rely on the main museum’s address. Use satellite view to identify the correct entrance—look for a loading dock with a “Research Center” placard.

Real Examples

Example 1: Graduate Student Research on Climate-Induced Morphological Shifts

In 2021, a master’s candidate at the University of North Texas sought to analyze changes in wing length among White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) collected between 1940 and 2020. Using the museum’s online database, she identified 87 specimens with complete measurement records. She submitted a proposal detailing her hypothesis that warmer winters had led to reduced wing size, consistent with Allen’s Rule.

After approval, she visited the collection for two days, photographed specimens, and took precise measurements with digital calipers. Her findings, published in Ecology and Evolution, were the first to document a measurable trend in this species within the Southern Plains. The museum cited her work in its annual report and used her data to update its educational displays.

Example 2: Conservationist Reconstructing Habitat Loss

A biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was investigating the decline of the Bachman’s Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis) in North Texas. She requested access to specimens collected from the Blackland Prairies between 1920 and 1970. The collection contained 19 specimens from counties where the species is now locally extinct.

By cross-referencing collection dates with historical land-use maps, she was able to correlate population decline with the conversion of native grasslands to cotton and cattle pasture. Her report contributed to the designation of a new conservation corridor in Hill County, Texas.

Example 3: Amateur Historian Unearthing a Forgotten Collector

A retired history teacher in Denton discovered a faded journal in her grandfather’s belongings, detailing bird collecting trips near Fort Worth in the 1930s. The journal mentioned “Simpson’s museum” and listed specimen numbers. She emailed the museum with a scan of the pages.

Curators confirmed that the journal belonged to Dr. Harold W. Ellis, a physician and amateur ornithologist whose collection was acquired by Bob R. Simpson in 1938. The museum had no photo of Ellis—until the teacher provided one. The museum later featured Ellis in a temporary exhibit and included his journal entries in its digital archive.

Example 4: International Researcher Comparing Continental Patterns

A researcher from the University of São Paulo was studying the evolution of migratory behavior in North American sparrows. He accessed the Simpson Collection through GBIF and identified 42 specimens of the Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) collected in Texas between 1955 and 1990. He requested to examine physical specimens to compare feather wear patterns with Brazilian specimens.

His visit led to a joint publication with FWMSH staff and the establishment of a research exchange program between Texas and Brazil. The museum now hosts an annual international visiting scholar in ornithology, funded in part by this collaboration.

FAQs

Can I visit the Bob R. Simpson Bird Collection as a tourist or casual visitor?

No. The collection is not open to the public for walk-in visits. It is a research archive, not a public exhibit. However, the main Fort Worth Museum of Science and History does feature a bird exhibit in its Hall of Nature, which includes some specimens from the Simpson Collection. This exhibit is accessible to all visitors.

Do I need to be affiliated with a university to access the collection?

While most approved requests come from academic institutions, professionals working for government agencies, non-profits, or independent researchers with peer-reviewed proposals may also be granted access. Affiliation is less important than the scientific merit of your project.

Can I take photos of the specimens?

Yes, but only with prior approval and under strict conditions. Flash photography is prohibited. Tripods may be allowed if they do not obstruct the workspace. You must agree not to publish images commercially without written permission from the museum.

How long does it take to get approval?

Approval typically takes 7–14 business days after submission. During peak seasons (March–May and September–November), processing may take up to 4 weeks. Submit your request at least two months before your desired visit date.

Are there any fees for accessing the collection?

No. There is no fee for qualified researchers to access the collection. However, you are responsible for your own travel, accommodation, and equipment. The museum does not provide stipends or funding.

Can I borrow specimens or take them off-site?

No. All specimens must be examined on-site under supervision. The museum does not loan physical specimens from the Simpson Collection. Digitized data and photographs may be shared under specific licensing agreements.

What if I don’t know the catalog number of the specimen I want?

You can search the museum’s online database by species, location, or collector name. If you’re unsure, include your best guess in your proposal. Curators can help identify relevant specimens during the review process.

Is the collection open year-round?

Yes, but access is scheduled by appointment only. The collection is closed during museum holidays and during staff fieldwork periods. Always confirm your appointment date in advance.

Can I bring a student or assistant with me?

Only if they are listed on your original proposal and have been pre-approved. Each visitor must present valid identification and sign a visitor agreement. No unapproved individuals are permitted in the collection area.

What happens if I damage a specimen?

Any damage, however minor, must be reported immediately. The museum has a conservation team that may be able to repair minor issues. Deliberate or negligent damage may result in legal consequences and permanent loss of access privileges.

Conclusion

Finding and accessing the Bob R. Simpson Bird Collection in Fort Worth is not a simple matter of following a sign or clicking a link. It is a process that demands preparation, respect, and a clear understanding of scientific ethics. This collection is not just a repository of feathers and bones—it is a time capsule of ecological history, a testament to decades of fieldwork, and a vital resource for understanding how bird populations have responded to environmental change over the last century.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—submitting a thoughtful proposal, respecting institutional protocols, utilizing digital tools, and engaging ethically with curators—you can unlock one of the most valuable ornithological archives in the American Southwest. Whether you are a graduate student, a conservation biologist, or a historian tracing the legacy of early naturalists, your work contributes to the preservation of knowledge that may one day inform policy, inspire education, or even aid in the recovery of a species thought lost.

The Simpson Collection endures not because of its size, but because of the care with which it is maintained and the integrity with which it is accessed. Your responsibility as a visitor is not just to learn from it, but to honor it. When you leave the research center, take with you not only data and photographs, but also the understanding that every specimen you examined was once a living creature, part of a complex ecosystem, and a silent witness to a changing world.

Use this knowledge wisely. Access it respectfully. And let your work ensure that the Bob R. Simpson Bird Collection continues to serve science for generations to come.