Edwin Carter

He originally was a placer miner and was fairly successful, but when he observed the destruction of the environment caused by hydraulic mining, he decided to collect animal and bird specimens for display before they were all gone.

Virtually no correspondence, news articles, or diaries exist to give us much insight into what made him decide to be a naturalist instead of a miner.

Most of the United States' earlier Presidents, scientists and leading citizens were active in the Masonic organization in those days.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science owes its original start to his collection which was purchased after his death in 1900.

In addition it has numerous interactive learning exhibits and a small LCD theater room with a short film on his life history.