OVERVIEW

As a resident of Washington, DC and long-time pigeon/dove enthusiast, I was baffled to discover that the public "Birds of DC" collection in the Smithsonian Institute's Natural History Museum does not feature rock doves/common pigeons.

The impressive collection features not only birds which make the District of Columbia their home, but birds which have been witnessed a single time by human eyes within the area. Rock doves are the most abundant avian residents of DC, which I find quite charming, as "Columbia" has etymological roots in "columbus/columba," the Latin word for pigeon/dove.

WHY PIGEONS?

Pigeons not only live in the District of Columbia, but have made their mark on the city in a wide variety of ways. First, the White House Historical Association published an article on "White House pigeons" and their positive influences in the area in the early 1900s, even affecting First Lady Grace Coolidge. The U.S. National Agricultural Library also highlights a series of pigeons recognized as war heroes, with some, such as Kaiser, whom the National Museum of the U.S. Army writes fondly of, having visited Washington, DC for the inauguration of U.S. president Harry Truman.

Given the abundance of these birds within the area and the fact that they are commonly kept as avian pets, I have no doubt that finding a new specimen humanely will be a simple process. I'm sure the museum has existing rock dove specimens, but if they would rather obtain a new one, I would be willing to reach out to my community of local rock dove pet owners and see if any of them would be willing to donate their bird(s) upon death to the Smithsonian Institute.

HOW WILL THIS PETITION HELP?

I have e-mailed the Natural History Museum's staff regarding this situation and, if necessary, plan to request an appearance with the curators of the Birds of DC exhibit. The Smithsonian Institute is a very busy organization doing a lot of brilliant work, so I do not expect a rock dove specimen in the Birds of DC exhibit immediately. This may be a quick process, or it may be a long one. Nonetheless, as a DC resident, frequenter of the Smithsonian Institute's museums, and bird lover, I am dedicated to ensuring the humble common pigeon gets the recognition it deserves.

This petition will show those I contact at the Smithsonian Institute that the act of displaying this specimen matters to more people than just one local nerd with a passion for pigeons.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

If this petition appeals to you, please also look into petitions and efforts to keep the Smithsonian independent and free from government censorship! Public displays of cultural heritage (i.e. Museum of African American History and Culture and the Museum of the American Indian) are particularly at risk at the moment.

DONATIONS/FUNDING

This petition needs NO FUNDS NOR DONATIONS. DO NOT DONATE. I live locally and am able to travel directly to the Smithsonian US Natural History Museum with ease. The Smithsonian Institute itself accepts donations and would gladly accept any contributions to its efforts in preservation, research, and public education.