In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the Edward Harris bird collection, the Historical Society of Moorestown is presenting a special exhibit, “Treasure in the Barn,” at the Smith-Cadbury Mansion at 12 High St. in Moorestown which will include bird specimens from the Harris collection (on loan from the Academy of Natural Sciences), the Harris chest of drawers recently donated to the Historical Society, photos, memorabilia, and more. The exhibit will run from October 14 through February 2013.

Edward Harris (1799 – 1863), who lived in the Smith-Cadbury mansion was an enthusiastic naturalist and ornithologist and was one of John James Audubon’s best friends and most ardent financial supporters. Harris had a sizeable and scientifically significant bird collection. Some of the birds he collected on expeditions with Audubon, including the famous trip up the Missouri River in 1843. This collection, which was housed in a large chest of drawers, disappeared for many years but was rediscovered in 1937.

In addition, the Historical Society will host a very special guest speaker at its Fall Meeting. Robert McCracken Peck, Senior Fellow at the Academy of Natural Sciences, naturalist, historian and best selling author, will give a presentation (complete with lots of great images) that will focus on the 1843 Missouri River expedition of John James Audubon and Edward Harris. He will discuss the expedition’s purpose and results, putting Harris, Audubon and their trip into a broader cultural and natural history context.

The meeting will take place at the Moorestown Community House, 16 E. Main St., on Thursday October 18 at 7:30. Light refreshments will be served following the presentation.

All are invited to attend.