Dinosaur fossils were first found in England, but a series of discoveries in the American West turned the United States into a world center for vertebrate paleontology in the late 19th century. Around the same time, the U.S. also emerged as an economic powerhouse of global proportions, and large, fierce and spectacular creatures like Tyrannosaurus, Brontosaurus and Triceratops became powerful emblems of American capitalism. 

Based on his book, Assembling the Dinosaur (Harvard University Press), Brown history professor Lukas Rieppel will give a free talk on how these giant reptiles became intertwined with commercial culture, philanthropic interests and the popular imagination during America’s long Gilded Age.

Free lecture and book signing. Free event parking at the 52 Oxford Street Garage.

Presented by the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments.

Livestreaming:

This event is livestreamed on the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (HMSC) Facebook page and the HMSC website. A recording of this program can be found available on the Harvard Museum of Natural History Lecture Videos page approximately three weeks after the lecture.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to participate in programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, please contact email in advance at lectures@hmsc.harvard.edu.