Introduction
 The old wildlife dioramas are a much loved memories of countless school field trips to the old Historical Building. They were, for many students, the first glimpse of native wildlife in a time when nature seemed to be vanishing.
Although wildlife now flourishes, these dioramas are still valued tools by which the teachers, parents, and grandparents may discuss the history, diversity, and conservation of Iowa's wildlife.
Background
 In the early twentieth century the museum began a program to preserve the memory of the state's disappearing wildlife. Elk, turkey, prairie chicken, and bear were no longer present in the state and it appeared that following generations would view wildlife only as memories. These small dioramas were established to capture the beauty and diversity of Iowa's fading wildlife.
These cases are nearly one-hundred years old and have been damaged by poor environmental conditions and excessive light of the old Historical Building. They are preserved as examples of early 20th century museum displays and as samples of period wildlife.
Taxidermied specimens of this vintage have arsenic as a preservative and must be handled with great care. Each case will be carefully vacuumed and the specimen themselves gently brushed and vacuumed to remove the years of dust and place the fur and feathers into natural positions.
The old plate glass is now brittle and dangerous to the public. Each of the panels will be replaced with Acrylic prior to exhibition
The Artist
 In 1910, fifty-five year old Joseph Steppan came to Des Moines to serve as curator and taxidermist for the State Historical Building. He had served in the Austrian and Dutch armies, hunted in Africa, traded furs for the Hudson Bay Company, and served as taxidermist to museums in Milwaukee and Chicago.
Through his collecting activities he enlarged this museum's collection and transformed the collected skins into beautiful dioramas. Each small exhibit captured the essence of Iowa's disappearing wildlife. Hummingbirds, hawks, bears, and moose were all subjects he lovingly worked with. The dioramas which he created spanned his 25 years of service to Iowa's state museum.
Note
 These historic cases have been opened and cleaned for the first time in a hundred years.
The fogged condition of the glass was a result of years of soot, smoke, and dust prevalent in the air during, the first half of the twentieth century. These contaminates were removed from cabinet surfaces and animals. The glass was discarded.
The faded colors of the animals is irreversible, however careful cleaning enhanced their form and appearance.
The large exhibits: moose, elk, bison, bear and eagle were unable to be moved intact from the old Historical Building. Their specimens have been incorporated into the "Delicate Balance" exhibit.
Captured Nature
 This exhibit will highlight the dioramas of Joseph Steppan which have remained hidden for thirty years. Now cleaned and safe to view, they will be exhibited during a portion of 2007 and 2008. They will then return to secure storage and be available for future interpretive needs.
The State Historical Society of Iowa is a trustee of
Iowa’s historical legacy and an advocate for understanding
Iowa’s past. It identifies, records, collects,
preserves, manages and provides access to Iowa’s
historical resources. Its dual mission of preservation
and education serves Iowans of all ages, conducts and
stimulates research, disseminates information, and encourages
and supports historical preservation and education efforts
of others throughout the state. Please visit www.iowahistory.org
or call 515-281-5111 for more information.
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