skip to main content

The Brain Scoop: Carl Cotton--Chicago's Original Black Taxidermist

9 minutes 14 seconds

Videos are generally available for preview to non-members as short clips. Limited full-length titles are also available. Log In to view the full length title.

Browse Full-length Non-member Titles

Carl Cotton was The Field Museum's first African-American taxidermist, and his work can still be seen on display today. But for many years, little was known about the extent of his contributions to the field of taxidermy. Today, thanks to hours of research from staff and through collaborations with Carl's family, the museum has a better picture of this creative and talented person and a deeper appreciation for his work. Part of "The Brain Scoop" series.

Media Details

Runtime: 9 minutes 14 seconds

Black and white photos of a Native American woman and man wearing medals around their necks. Caption. Like currency used to purchase loyalty.
The Brain Scoop
Episode 52
10 minutes 17 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Person holding a small insect. Inset of a picture of the insect. Caption: Necrophila Americana
The Brain Scoop
Episode 13
9 minutes 49 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Person holding a grasshopper. Melanoplus Differentialis. Caption: And this is a differential grasshopper,
The Brain Scoop
Episode 14
11 minutes 57 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Dried red-leafed plant with a cluster of long, pointed leaves. Caption: Poinsettias are another delightful botanical accent
The Brain Scoop
Episode 15
4 minutes 55 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Brown fuzzy mammal sitting in a tree. Caption: An olingo is a member of the raccoon family.
The Brain Scoop
Episode 11
6 minutes 3 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Closeup of an animal with a pointed snout, large claws, and overlapping scales covering its body. Caption: They are covered in keratin scales,
The Brain Scoop
Episode 2
4 minutes 19 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
People holding very small skeletons. Caption: Like you and I, there are five lumbar vertebrae,
The Brain Scoop
Episode 12
5 minutes 16 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Person holding a skeleton approximately the length of her thumb. Caption: …each of the limbs, and the scapula.
The Brain Scoop
Episode 7
5 minutes 34 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Person holding a taxidermized flying squirrel with legs extended. Caption: As you know, flying squirrels don't fly, they glide.
The Brain Scoop
Episode 8
6 minutes 47 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Platypus with a duck-like snout, webbed feet, and a furry body. Caption: They're the craziest things I've seen in my life.
The Brain Scoop
Episode 9
5 minutes 44 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12