There is a curious fascination for me in attempting something where the chances for success are but the very slightest. It is the mark of the dreamer.

Annie Montague Alexander was an intrepid explorer, a crack shot, photographer, world traveler, paleontologist, field biologist, natural historian, philanthropist, conservationist, and required ceaseless utility from all her activities. Born in Hawaii to a missionary family in the profitable sugarcane industry, Annie had the resources and familial encouragement to take the unconventional path of an independent woman who made vast contributions to the fields of science, natural history, and conservation. Most notable among her accomplishments was her 50 year involvement with the University of California, Berkeley where she took classes in paleontology, financed and led numerous field work expeditions, and founded and funded the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (1908) and the Museum of Paleontology (1921). Annie never married but her spirit for adventure and industrious contribution to the natural sciences was matched and supported by her partner of 42 years, Louise Kellogg (1897 – 1967). In 1908, Annie recruited Louise as her traveling companion on a summer expedition to Alaska in order to avoid the appearance of impropriety on a trip staffed by men. Within a few short years Annie and Louise became inseparable. Together the women contributed approximately 7,000 specimens of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in addition to almost 18,000 botanical specimens to the Berkeley museums through personal collecting efforts by field expedition or through purchase. Their partnership extended beyond scientific endeavors to include ranching, asparagus farming, and philanthropy. Annie was driven to document the beauty and diversity of a landscape which, by the end of her life, was rapidly diminishing. She subscribed to the idiom that “It is better to wear out than to rust out,” and true to this sentiment she was industrious and in the field annually until her death at 82. 

This plaque was created by SUTL Cohort 35.

Photo Credit: With the permission of the Museum of Paleontology, University of California, Berkeley.