The Sperry Herbarium
About the Sperry Herbarium
The T.M. Sperry Herbarium at Pittsburg State University houses approximately 50,000 specimens of dried plants. It is an active, well-curated and expanding facility devoted to the study of plant diversity and support of teaching. The historical focus has been southeastern Kansas and adjoining areas, but it has a good representation of plant diversity from nearly all US states and specimens from 59 foreign countries.
The herbarium is an invaluable resource for scientific research. Its vascular plant data are available from the Consortium of Northern Great Plains herbaria, whereas bryophyte data (mosses and related plants) can be accessed from the Consortium of North American Bryophyte Herbaria. It has supported many previous and current masters’ degree research projects and the research of its curators.
The herbarium can be accessed by appointment during the academic year, often including weekends. Specimens are available on loan for scientific research.
The History
The herbarium at Pittsburg State University was officially established in 1946 by Theodore M. Sperry, its namesake. Starting with some 100 specimens, under Sperry’s direction, the herbarium grew from 1946 to 1974 to nearly 40,000 specimens occupying 35 metal herbarium cabinets. Sperry remained in a curatorial position following his retirement. The herbarium was officially named in honor of Dr. Sperry in 1974. Dr. Stephen L. Timme, a bryologist, curated the herbarium from 1989 until his retirement in 2011. In 2013, Dr. Neil Snow was appointed director.
