The Art of Taxidermy

Mike Orthober answers questions from young visitors as he prepares a bird for mounting.

Master taxidermist Mike Orthober will be at the Door County Historical Museum most of the day on July 19 demonstrating the art and methods of taxidermy as he mounts a specimen for the museum’s permanent wildlife diorama. Orthober built the detailed exhibit over a period of years and though it appears to be complete, it is still an ongoing project. He continues to add birds and animals, doing many of them in demonstrations such as this.

Orthober, of Egg Harbor, has won many national and worldwide awards, among them “Best in World” for warm-water fish and “Second in World” for a non-game bird. He also judges World Taxidermy Championships and teaches others his methods.

Orthober’s exhibit is available for viewing during normal operating hours. Orthober will do another demonstration on Aug. 16.

The museum is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm until Oct. 31. For more information call 920.743.5809 or email [email protected].