Forgotten Fungi: Mary Banning’s Watercolor Legacy

Mushrooms in 19th-century watercolors: The paintings of a self-taught female mycologist are featured at the New York State Museum. An 1870 watercolor of Agaricus rubescens Fr., by Mary Elizabeth Banning, a self-taught mycologist who studied fungi in her home state of Maryland for four decades. Supported by Alla Katsnelson.

Mushrooms in 19th-Century Watercolors: An Exhibition at the New York State Museum

Despite Miss Banning’s struggles, her contributions to the field of mycology were profound, though they went largely unrecognized during her lifetime. The revival of interest in her work through exhibitions like “Outcasts” is a testament to the enduring value and impact of her scientific endeavors. Her watercolors, meticulously detailed and vibrantly preserved, not only captured the beauty and diversity of Maryland’s fungi but also highlighted her determination to contribute to a field that often overlooked both the organisms and the women who studied them. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity for the public to appreciate the intersection of art and science, celebrating not just the fungi themselves but also the passion and persistence of a pioneering woman who quietly revolutionized the understanding of these fascinating organisms. Through this renewed attention to her work, Miss Banning’s legacy is finally receiving the appreciation it deserves, inspiring both current and future mycologists and artists alike.

Miss Banning’s Manuscript and Correspondence with Charles Horton Peck

Miss Banning’s path in the field of mycology was not without its challenges. As a 19th-century woman, she found herself largely excluded from the scientific community. Despite her talents and contributions, she struggled to gain recognition from her peers. However, she was not without allies. Her correspondence with Charles Horton Peck, New York’s first state botanist, provided her with much-needed support and validation. Mr. Peck valued her work, publishing descriptions of species with her assistance and even naming species in her honor. This relationship played a crucial role in Miss Banning’s scientific pursuits, highlighting the shared passion both scientists had for fungi despite societal constraints.

Relationship with Charles Horton Peck

Amidst the societal challenges of her time, Mary Elizabeth Banning’s determination to study and document fungi was fueled by her passion and curiosity. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she tirelessly pursued her work, often choosing the company of fungi over societal acceptance. Through her manuscript, she left a detailed record of Maryland’s fungi, capturing both the scientific and aesthetic beauty of these organisms. Her life’s work reflected not only her love for mycology but also her perseverance in a male-dominated scientific community. Though she never saw her manuscript published during her lifetime, her contributions now serve as a testament to her dedication and vision in the field of mycology.

Significance of Natural History Collections in Science and Conservation

In honoring Mary Elizabeth Banning and her contributions to mycology, the “Outcasts” exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of preserving natural history and recognizing the often-overlooked figures within it. With her watercolors and letters illuminating a forgotten legacy, Miss Banning’s story unfolds as a testament to the dedication and passion that defined her work. Through the exhibition, visitors gain insight not only into her life but also into the broader historical context of fungi’s role in our ecosystem. The exhibition highlights the importance of maintaining natural history collections, demonstrating their value as repositories for research and education. As Dr. Kaishian emphasizes, these collections are crucial for understanding and documenting biodiversity changes amidst global challenges, ensuring that stories like Miss Banning’s are neither lost to time nor underrated in their impact.