Museum founder and curator Anderson Taylor first met members of the Acme Design team at the Association of Midwest Museums conference last year. They remembered Anderson and his remarkable story and recently visited the museum to surprise him with the skull.
“It was a complete surprise, and I am incredibly grateful that they remembered me and wanted to support the museum,” Anderson said. “The skull is amazing, and I’m excited for everyone to come see it.”
Anderson founded the Cambridge Natural History Museum in August 2024, when he was nine years old. What began with a single display case has since grown into a collection filling 11 cases, with fossils, minerals, artifacts and other specimens donated by people from across the country.
The museum celebrated its second anniversary in August. Anderson has since been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest museum curator. His story was also recently featured in Smithsonian magazine, sparking media coverage and interest from around the world.
Earlier this year, Anderson entered into an agreement with the Village of Cambridge to purchase the downtown building that houses the museum. Funds are now being raised to pay off the building, make necessary repairs and renovate its upstairs apartment. Once completed, rental income from the apartment will help support the museum’s long-term operation.
The T. rex skull is especially meaningful because it demonstrates how Anderson’s story continues to inspire people and organizations within the museum community.
“The kindness shown by Acme Design means a great deal to Anderson and to everyone who has supported this museum,” said John Taylor, Anderson’s father. “They met him once, remembered his story and went out of their way to encourage him with a gift that will inspire museum visitors for years to come.”
The replica skull will be displayed at the Cambridge Natural History Museum in downtown Cambridge.
Those wishing to support the museum’s building campaign and continued growth may contribute to its fundraising effort or contact the museum to learn about donating funds, specimens or other materials.
