Overview
The Newport Historical Society newsletter highlights local museum activities, upcoming board meetings, and community membership information. It presents a detailed biographical piece on Ernest Harold Baynes, chronicling his life, conservation work with bison and birds, anti-plume advocacy, and writings promoting humane animal treatment and responsible scientific research.
The newsletter also reports museum visitation, recent artifact donations, fundraising opportunities, and book sales, urging membership renewal and volunteer engagement to support ongoing preservation and programming efforts.
You can read the online version of the newsletter here.
This quarterly newsletter is generally published in January, April, July and October.
Main Points
- Ernest Harold Baynes: Noted naturalist, writer, and animal welfare advocate, born in Calcutta in 1868, who became influential in wildlife conservation and humane education in the US, especially in New Hampshire.
- Wildlife Conservation: Played a key role in saving the American bison from extinction by co-founding the American Bison Society, promoting bison herds, and increasing public awareness through lectures and articles.
- Bird Protection: Founded bird clubs, established bird sanctuaries, and campaigned against the plume trade, leading to legal protections for birds and changes in fashion to reduce feather use.
- Educational Outreach: Delivered lectures nationwide, wrote syndicated articles and several books, and used photography to educate the public about animal welfare and natural history.
- Stance on Animal Experimentation: Initially expected to join anti-vivisectionists, Baynes instead supported ethical medical research after thorough investigation, countering misinformation and facing significant backlash.
- Personal Life: Married Louise Birt O’Connell, shared a home filled with animals, and lived in New Hampshire due to connections with Austin Corbin and Corbin Park.
- Legacy: Authored influential books on animals and conservation; after his death from cancer in 1925, his ashes were scattered at Corbin Park, with a commemorative plaque honoring his contributions.
- Museum and Community: The Newport Historical Society Museum preserves Baynes’ legacy and local history, offering resources and exhibitions related to his work and the region’s heritage.
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