News: Installing the gray whale

The installation of the whale skeleton in Harned Hall began on Wednesday, May 3, 2006, and was completed on Friday, May 5, 2006.  The whale was prepared for installation by Albert Shepard, marine mammal expert and curator. Albert also supervised the installation. See the Gray Whale page for more information about the whale. See the complete installation chronicled with pictures and text. Click pictures for larger views.

    
The ribs on parade from the Thompson Hall parking lot down Union Avenue to Harned Hall.

The assembled skeleton hanging on a temporary beam prior to being hoisted into place on May 4.

 
The crew discusses the final placement, angles, and hanging points after hoisting the skeleton to the level of the first landing.

The end of day 2 (May 4) with the right pectoral fin in place and the whale skeleton suspended by cables.  

 
Peter Wimberger, Alyce DeMarais, Michal Morrison, Susan Bennett, and Albert Shepard discuss the installation and plans for the future.

 
Albert Shepard and the whale on May 5, 2006.