Lecture: The Restoration of the Nuthshell Studies of Unexplained Death

The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death are one of Baltimores many hidden treasures. These tiny crime scenes, created in the 1940s at a scale of 1:12, are studied by detectives and investigators from around the world who come to Baltimore for training on forensic and crime scene studies.

After an extensive restoration by the Smithsonian, the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death went on public display for the first time at the Renwick in DC. The response was overwhelming and the show was covered by media from around the world. They have now returned to their home in Baltimore, safe and sound at the Medical Examiner's office.

Two years ago, MedChi hosted Bruce Goldfarb for a lecture discussing the Nutshells and their importance to forensics and investigation. He returns on Wednesday, April 18 to share what the Smithsonian discovered during the restoration of the Nutshells and to further explain why these 70-year old dioramas are still relevant today.

Bruce Goldfarb is on the administrative staff at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Maryland, where the Nutshell Studies are housed. He worked extensively with the Smithsonian to restore the Nutshells and their subsequent exhibition at the Renwick Gallery in Washington, DC.

The lecture will take place at Osler Hall at MedChi on Wednesday, April 18th at 6:00 p.m. There is plenty of free and paid parking available in the area. 

Tickets to the lecture are $5.00 for members of MedChi and $8.00 for non-members. Funds raised will be used to preserve the Nutshells as well as MedChi's archives which date back to its founding in 1799. For information on reservations, which are required, please email us at events@medchi.org.

Sadly, the Nutshells will not be available to view at the event. They are now a permanent installation at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Maryland, and are not on public display.