Byron Museum holds Taxidermy Exhibit

The Byron Museum of History would like to thank Hess Taxidermy Studio for the loan of mounted fish and replicas that have been on display in the museum this May and June. The exhibit will be removed on June 30 to make room for the ByronFest Quilt Show on July 8, 9, and 10.

Local taxidermist Jim Hess mounted and prepared all of the fish featured in the exhibit, many of them award winners. Jim also made loan of several antique lures and Byron Sportsman’s Club memorabilia that belonged to his father and uncle Sam and Ralph Hess during the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.

Over the Memorial Day weekend Jim attended the United Taxidermy Association’s competition and convention in Louisville Kentucky. The Blue Gill pictured with Jim won Best of Category in the Fish Competition and was voted “Best Fish” by taxidermists attending the convention.

The Byron Museum is grateful for the chance to display these world-class specimens. We invite you to view these works of art on Wednesday, June 29 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. or to attend the season’s last Round Table Talk and Coffee Hour on Thursday, June 30 at 10 a.m. Admission is always FREE

Questions will be answered by calling the Byron Museum at 815.234.5031, or sending a e-mail to [email protected]. The Byron Museum of History is located at 110 N. Union Street in Byron, Illinois, 61010. Our website address is www.byronmuseum.org.

The Byron Museum of History is dedicated to preserving Byron’s rich history through exhibits, programs, and artifact preservation. The Museum features the historic Read House and local history exhibits, including Albert G. Spalding, Underground Railroad, Byron Schools, Agriculture, Outhouse Archeology, Local Railroad, Clamming on the Rock River, and much more! To learn more about our mission, or volunteering, please contact us or stop by. We are open Wednesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

COURTESY PHOTO Tempo – Award winning Blue Gill pictured with Jim Hess, June 2016