An overflow crowd gathered recently to honor revered naturalist Roger Tory Peterson with presentations by two of this century's most recognized scientists in evolutionary biology, Ernst Mayr and Edward O. Wilson. Pellegrino University Professor Wilson, the keynote speaker at the Science Center event, jovially referred to the packed house as the "Peterson Nation." Mayr, Alexander Professor of Zoology Emeritus, recollected his early days of knowing Peterson as fellow members in the Bronx County Bird Club in the early 1930s.

The lecture was the first public memorial to honor Peterson since his death last year. A world-renowned ornithologist, naturalist, author, and artist, Peterson played a pivotal role in popularizing the interest in natural history among the general public. From the first publication of his Field Guide to the Birds in 1934 to the more than 50 titles in the "Peterson series" of field guides, which he either wrote, illustrated, or edited, Peterson's work has had a tremendous impact on the last two generations' understanding of the natural world.

In his lecture, Wilson elucidated the scientific context of Peterson's influential work, presenting an overview of biological diversity and speaking of the finality of extinction -- the reverbertating impact of what we lose when a single species is gone.

Among the speakers was Peterson's wife, Virginia Peterson, who spoke both at the lecture and at a private reception following the event.

In addition to the Museum of Cultural and Natural History, other sponsors of the event included the University Marshal's Office, Houghton-Mifflin Inc., Massachusetts Audubon, and the Nuttall Ornithological Club.