About
About the Archive
The Taxidermy Heritage Archives is a digital research resource dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, art, and science of taxidermy — from its earliest practitioners to the craftsmen and supply companies that shaped the trade.
What We Do
The Taxidermy Heritage Archives collects, catalogs, and shares historical materials related to the craft of taxidermy. Our growing collection includes rare books dating back to the 18th century, supply company catalogs, historical photographs, training manuals, and original research articles.
This archive grew from a private collection assembled over decades — one that had outgrown its shelves and deserved to be shared with researchers, historians, and anyone interested in the rich heritage of wildlife preservation.
By digitizing and publishing these materials online, we aim to make taxidermy history accessible to a global audience — ensuring that the stories, techniques, and contributions of past practitioners are not lost to time.
What You'll Find
Our archive spans centuries of taxidermy history
Rare Books
First editions and rare taxidermy manuals dating from 1771 through the early 20th century, documenting techniques, methods, and the evolution of the craft.
Historical Materials
Supply company catalogs, correspondence schools, vintage photographs, training materials, and artifacts from the golden age of American taxidermy.
Original Research
In-depth articles and essays on notable figures, companies, controversies, and milestones in taxidermy history — from the Hayden Expedition to regional supply houses.
Our Mission
To preserve and share the history of taxidermy by collecting, digitizing, and publishing rare books, historical documents, and original research — making this knowledge freely accessible for education and study.
Our Vision
To become the most comprehensive digital resource for taxidermy history — connecting researchers, historians, and enthusiasts worldwide with the stories and materials that document this unique intersection of art, science, and craft.
Help Us Grow the Archive
This archive is a living project — and we need your help
Contribute Materials
If you have rare taxidermy books, vintage photographs, supply catalogs, training manuals, or other historical materials, we'd love to hear from you. Contributions help expand this archive for future generations.
Share Your Knowledge
Know the history of a taxidermy studio, supply company, or practitioner? We welcome corrections, additions, and leads that help us tell a more complete story of the craft's heritage.
Origins of the Collection
The materials in this archive were originally assembled as a private collection over several decades. What began as a personal interest in taxidermy history grew into one of the most comprehensive collections of rare taxidermy books and historical materials in North America.
Rather than let these materials remain on private shelves, this digital archive was created to share them with the wider community — researchers, historians, practitioners, and anyone curious about the fascinating history of wildlife preservation.
This is a growing archive. New materials and research are added regularly.
The Taxidermy Heritage Archives is a division of Stehling's Taxidermy, a family-owned business founded in 1978. What began as a personal collection assembled alongside decades of professional work has grown into this dedicated digital archive — preserving taxidermy history for researchers and enthusiasts worldwide.