Preserving the History of Mycology for Future Generations
Medical mycology has a rich history shaped by generations of clinicians, scientists, laboratory professionals, educators and researchers. Their discoveries, working methods, collaborations and personal experiences have helped build the field as we know it today. Yet, much of this history exists only in personal collections, laboratories and institutions. Books, photographs, laboratory instruments, teaching materials, correspondence, conference memorabilia, notes and other objects may be at risk of being lost, discarded or forgotten. The ISHAM Mycology Heritage Collection aims to help preserve this history and make it accessible to future generations.
A collection of objects, stories and memories.
The initiative seeks to create an international collection of historical objects and materials connected to mycology and the people who have shaped the field. Potential contributions include:
– historical books, textbooks and publications
– congress programmes, posters, flyers, badges and photographs
– laboratory equipment and diagnostic instruments
– microscopes, culture materials, slides and teaching specimens
– historical documents, letters, notes and laboratory protocols
– photographs of laboratories, researchers, meetings and field work
– awards, certificates and other memorabilia
– educational materials and scientific illustrations
– early diagnostic, identification and susceptibility-testing equipment
– personal collections from mycologists and laboratories
– videos and audio recordings
– personal stories, memories and anecdotes connected to historical objects
The collection is not intended to preserve objects alone. The stories behind the objects are an essential part of the heritage of our discipline.
Documenting the history behind each contribution
Donated items will be photographed, documented and catalogued together with information about their origin, approximate date, previous owner, history and donor. Donors will be acknowledged as part of the documented history of the item. Personal stories and memories can also be recorded alongside objects, helping to preserve not only what an object is, but also why it mattered.
An international and accessible collection
The ISHAM Mycology Heritage Collection is intended to be an international, continuously growing initiative. Rather than being limited to a single physical location, selected objects and stories could be presented at ISHAM Congresses, partner institutions and other scientific or educational venues. In this way, the collection could develop into a travelling exhibition that brings the history of mycology to the international community. A digital catalogue would complement the physical collection and allow members and colleagues around the world to explore historical objects, photographs, documents and personal stories. In the longer term, the collection could provide the foundation for a permanent ISHAM Museum or Mycology Heritage Centre.
Why contribute?
By contributing an object, document, photograph or personal story, you can help:
– preserve the history of medical and veterinary mycology;
– document the development of our discipline and its technologies;
– honour the people, laboratories and institutions that have contributed to the field;
– make historical material accessible to colleagues and future generations;
– inspire young scientists by connecting them with the history of their discipline;
– ensure that personal and institutional memories are not lost.
Do you have something to contribute?
Many historically important objects may still be in laboratories, offices, homes and personal collections around the world. Perhaps you have an old microscope, a piece of diagnostic equipment, a collection of congress badges, photographs from an early meeting, handwritten laboratory notes, historical teaching material, correspondence or publications that tell a story about the development of mycology.
We would like to hear from you!
If you have an object, collection, photograph, document or story that you believe could contribute to
the ISHAM Mycology Heritage Collection, please get in touch with the project team.
Responsible person: Prof. Dr. Oliver Cornely
Contact person: Dr. Janina Leckler
Email: janina.leckler@uk-koeln.de
