Friday, January 19, 2018
About the "Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death."
Frances Glessner Lee, the heiress to the Harvester fortune, created the “Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death” in the 1940's to help train homicide investigators. At the time, there was very little investigative or medical training for policemen.
Lee, who came to law enforcement at a late age, was the first female police captain in the US, and helped to found the Department of Legal Medicine at Harvard University. Since she was an artist as well as criminologist, she created these handmade, miniature crime scenes as training tools.
The "Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death" was an exhibit at the Renwick Gallery in Washington DC (it closed January 28, 2018). This was the first public display of all existing dioramas. The pieces are owned by the Harvard Medical School but kept by the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The exhibition was organized by Nora Atkinson, The Lloyd Herman Curator of Craft at the Renwick.
The background text for each Nutshell is identical to what was posted next to each diorama. I have arranged the Nutshells in no particular order, though I have tended to present the more complex cases first.
The Nutshell Studies are still active training tools, so the answers to the cases are a secret. You can share your own theories and read others on Twitter at #RenwickGallery.
A word about the pictures: The exhibits were not illuminated. A flashlight was provided to museum goers so they could provide their own illumination. That is why the lighting is not consistent throughout. All photos were taken by me.
Learn more about the Nutshells and Frances Glessner Lee at the following links:
Article in SAAM advertising the exhibition.
Article at Smithsonian.com
Article at NPR
Article in The Atlantic
Lee, who came to law enforcement at a late age, was the first female police captain in the US, and helped to found the Department of Legal Medicine at Harvard University. Since she was an artist as well as criminologist, she created these handmade, miniature crime scenes as training tools.
The "Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death" was an exhibit at the Renwick Gallery in Washington DC (it closed January 28, 2018). This was the first public display of all existing dioramas. The pieces are owned by the Harvard Medical School but kept by the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The exhibition was organized by Nora Atkinson, The Lloyd Herman Curator of Craft at the Renwick.
The background text for each Nutshell is identical to what was posted next to each diorama. I have arranged the Nutshells in no particular order, though I have tended to present the more complex cases first.
The Nutshell Studies are still active training tools, so the answers to the cases are a secret. You can share your own theories and read others on Twitter at #RenwickGallery.
A word about the pictures: The exhibits were not illuminated. A flashlight was provided to museum goers so they could provide their own illumination. That is why the lighting is not consistent throughout. All photos were taken by me.
Learn more about the Nutshells and Frances Glessner Lee at the following links:
Article in SAAM advertising the exhibition.
Article at Smithsonian.com
Article at NPR
Article in The Atlantic
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Kitchen
Reported April 12, 1944.
Barbara Barnes, a housewife, was found dead by police who responded to a call from the husband of the victim, Fred Barnes.
Mr. Barnes gave the following statement:
About 4:00 p.m., he had gone downtown on an errand for his wife. He returned about an hour and a half later and found the outside door to the kitchen locked. It was standing open when he left. Mr. Barnes attempted knocking and calling but got no answer. He tried the front door but it was also locked. He then went to the kitchen window which was closed and locked. He looked in and saw what appeared to be his wife lying on the floor. He then summoned the police. The model shows the premises just before the police forced open the kitchen door.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Barbara Barnes, a housewife, was found dead by police who responded to a call from the husband of the victim, Fred Barnes.
Mr. Barnes gave the following statement:
About 4:00 p.m., he had gone downtown on an errand for his wife. He returned about an hour and a half later and found the outside door to the kitchen locked. It was standing open when he left. Mr. Barnes attempted knocking and calling but got no answer. He tried the front door but it was also locked. He then went to the kitchen window which was closed and locked. He looked in and saw what appeared to be his wife lying on the floor. He then summoned the police. The model shows the premises just before the police forced open the kitchen door.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Three Room Dwelling
Reported Monday, November 1, 1937.
Robert Judson, shoe factory foreman, his wife, Kate Judson, and their baby, Linda Mae Judson, found dead by neighbor Paul Abbott.
Mr. Abbott gave the following statement:
Bob Judson and he drove to their work together, alternating cars. This was Abbott's week to drive. On Monday morning, November 1, he was late--about 7:35 a.m.--so, when blowing his horn didn't bring Judson out, Abbott went to the factory without him, believing Judson would come in his own car.
Sarah Abbott, Paul Abbott's wife, gave the following statement:
After Paul had left, she watched for Bob to come out. Finally, about 8:15 a.m., seeing no signs of activity at the Judson house, she went over to their porch and tried the front door, but it was locked. She knocked and called, but got no answer. She then went around to the kitchen porch, but that door was also locked. She looked through the glass, and then, aroused by the sight of the gun and blood, she ran home and notified the police.
The model shows the premises just before Mrs. Abbott went to the house.
Dawn broke at 5:00 a.m.; sunrise at 6:17 a.m.; weather clear. No lights were on in the house. Both outside doors were locked on the inside.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Robert Judson, shoe factory foreman, his wife, Kate Judson, and their baby, Linda Mae Judson, found dead by neighbor Paul Abbott.
Mr. Abbott gave the following statement:
Bob Judson and he drove to their work together, alternating cars. This was Abbott's week to drive. On Monday morning, November 1, he was late--about 7:35 a.m.--so, when blowing his horn didn't bring Judson out, Abbott went to the factory without him, believing Judson would come in his own car.
Sarah Abbott, Paul Abbott's wife, gave the following statement:
After Paul had left, she watched for Bob to come out. Finally, about 8:15 a.m., seeing no signs of activity at the Judson house, she went over to their porch and tried the front door, but it was locked. She knocked and called, but got no answer. She then went around to the kitchen porch, but that door was also locked. She looked through the glass, and then, aroused by the sight of the gun and blood, she ran home and notified the police.
The model shows the premises just before Mrs. Abbott went to the house.
Dawn broke at 5:00 a.m.; sunrise at 6:17 a.m.; weather clear. No lights were on in the house. Both outside doors were locked on the inside.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Dark Bathroom
Reported by Desk Sergeant Moriarty of Central City Police, as he recalled it.
Maggie Wilson found dead by Lizzie Miller.
Miss Miller gave the following statement:
Miss Miller roomed in the same house as Maggie Wilson but knew her only as they met in the hall. She thought Maggie was subject to "fits" (seizures). A couple of male friends came to see Maggie regularly. On Sunday night in early November 1896, the men were there and there was a good deal of drinking going on. Some time after they left, Lizzie heard the water still running in the bathroom. Upon opening the door, she found the scene as set forth in the model.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Maggie Wilson found dead by Lizzie Miller.
Miss Miller gave the following statement:
Miss Miller roomed in the same house as Maggie Wilson but knew her only as they met in the hall. She thought Maggie was subject to "fits" (seizures). A couple of male friends came to see Maggie regularly. On Sunday night in early November 1896, the men were there and there was a good deal of drinking going on. Some time after they left, Lizzie heard the water still running in the bathroom. Upon opening the door, she found the scene as set forth in the model.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Monday, January 15, 2018
Red Bedroom
Reported Thursday, June 29, 1944.
Marie Jones, prostitute, found dead by her landlady, Shirley Flanagan.
Mrs. Flanagan gave the following statement:
On the morning of Thursday, June 29, she passed the open door or Marie's room and called out "hello." When she did not receive a response, she looked in and found the conditions as shown in the model. Jim Green, a boyfriend and client of Marie's, had come in with Marie the afternoon before. Mrs. Flanagan didn't know when he had left. As soon as she found Marie's body, she telephoned the police who later found Mr. Green and brought him in for questioning.
Mr. Green gave the following statement:
He met Marie on the sidewalk the afternoon of June 28, and walked with her to a nearby package store, where he bought two bottles of whiskey. They then went to her room where they sat smoking and drinking for some time. Marie, sitting in the big chair, got very drunk. Suddenly, without any warning, she grabbed his open jackknife, which he had used to cut the string around the package containing the bottles. She ran into the closet and shut the door. When he opened the door, he found her lying as represented by the model. He left the house immediately after that.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Marie Jones, prostitute, found dead by her landlady, Shirley Flanagan.
Mrs. Flanagan gave the following statement:
On the morning of Thursday, June 29, she passed the open door or Marie's room and called out "hello." When she did not receive a response, she looked in and found the conditions as shown in the model. Jim Green, a boyfriend and client of Marie's, had come in with Marie the afternoon before. Mrs. Flanagan didn't know when he had left. As soon as she found Marie's body, she telephoned the police who later found Mr. Green and brought him in for questioning.
Mr. Green gave the following statement:
He met Marie on the sidewalk the afternoon of June 28, and walked with her to a nearby package store, where he bought two bottles of whiskey. They then went to her room where they sat smoking and drinking for some time. Marie, sitting in the big chair, got very drunk. Suddenly, without any warning, she grabbed his open jackknife, which he had used to cut the string around the package containing the bottles. She ran into the closet and shut the door. When he opened the door, he found her lying as represented by the model. He left the house immediately after that.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Parsonage Parlor
Reported Friday, August 23, 1946.
Dorothy Dennison, high school student, found dead after reported missing by her mother, Mrs. James Dennison.
Mrs. Dennison gave the following statement:
On Monday morning, August 19, about 11:00 a.m., Dorothy had walked downtown to buy some hamburger steak for dinner. She didn't have much money in her purse. When she failed to return in time for dinner, her mother telephoned a neighbor who stated that she had seen the girl walking towards the market, but had not seen her since. Mrs. Dennison also telephoned the market and the proprietor said he had sold Dorothy a pound of hamburger sometime before noon, but didn't notice which way she turned upon leaving the shop. By late afternoon, Mrs. Dennison, thoroughly alarmed, notified the police.
Lieutenant Peale's investigation report stated that on Monday afternoon, August 19, at 5:25 p.m., he received the call from Mrs. Dennison at Police Headquarters and at once took charge of the matter personally. The customary inquiries began and by Wednesday, August 21, a systematic search of all closed or unoccupied building in the vicinity was undertaken. It was not until Friday, August 23, 4:15 p.m. that he and Officer Patrick Sullivan entered the Parsonage and found the premises as represented in the model.
Temperature during that week ranged between 86F and 92F with high humidity.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Dorothy Dennison, high school student, found dead after reported missing by her mother, Mrs. James Dennison.
Mrs. Dennison gave the following statement:
On Monday morning, August 19, about 11:00 a.m., Dorothy had walked downtown to buy some hamburger steak for dinner. She didn't have much money in her purse. When she failed to return in time for dinner, her mother telephoned a neighbor who stated that she had seen the girl walking towards the market, but had not seen her since. Mrs. Dennison also telephoned the market and the proprietor said he had sold Dorothy a pound of hamburger sometime before noon, but didn't notice which way she turned upon leaving the shop. By late afternoon, Mrs. Dennison, thoroughly alarmed, notified the police.
Lieutenant Peale's investigation report stated that on Monday afternoon, August 19, at 5:25 p.m., he received the call from Mrs. Dennison at Police Headquarters and at once took charge of the matter personally. The customary inquiries began and by Wednesday, August 21, a systematic search of all closed or unoccupied building in the vicinity was undertaken. It was not until Friday, August 23, 4:15 p.m. that he and Officer Patrick Sullivan entered the Parsonage and found the premises as represented in the model.
Temperature during that week ranged between 86F and 92F with high humidity.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Blue Bedroom
Reported Wednesday, November 3, 1943.
Charles Logan, box factory employee, found dead by his wife, Caroline Logan.
Mrs. Logan gave the following statement:
On Tuesday night, November 2, she was alone in the house when Charles came home about midnight. He had been drinking and was in a quarrelsome mood. They had an argument, but she was finally able to persuade him to go upstairs to bed. She waited downstairs for him to go to sleep before she also went to bed. After about an hour, she heard him moving around and shortly thereafter heard a shot. She ran upstairs and found the scene as illustrated in the model.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Charles Logan, box factory employee, found dead by his wife, Caroline Logan.
Mrs. Logan gave the following statement:
On Tuesday night, November 2, she was alone in the house when Charles came home about midnight. He had been drinking and was in a quarrelsome mood. They had an argument, but she was finally able to persuade him to go upstairs to bed. She waited downstairs for him to go to sleep before she also went to bed. After about an hour, she heard him moving around and shortly thereafter heard a shot. She ran upstairs and found the scene as illustrated in the model.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Friday, January 12, 2018
Two-Story Porch
Annie Morrison, housewife, found lying on the ground below a second story porch.
Harry Morrison, husband of Annie, gave the following statement:
On Monday morning, April 5, at about 11:00 a.m., he was in the kitchen of the top story apartment where he and his wife lived. Mrs. Morrison had done the week's washing and was standing on a chair on the porch hanging it on the line to dry. Mr. Morrison heard a noise, went to see what it was, and found conditions as represented by the model. He had a job on the late shift but was up earlier than usual that day, as he hadn't worked the day before, which was Sunday.
Agnes Butler, a neighbor, gave the following statement:
She lived in the apartment below the Morrisons. She had bathed the baby on Monday morning, April 5, and put him in his carriage. She had done his wash and hung it out to dry. She was cleaning up the kitchen when she heard a crash, rushed out onto the porch and saw Mrs. Morrison lying on the ground below. The Morrisons quarreled a lot and Mr. Morrison didn't treat his wife very well. He drank and Mrs. Butler guessed he had lady friends. She heard the Morrisons quarreling that morning.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Harry Morrison, husband of Annie, gave the following statement:
On Monday morning, April 5, at about 11:00 a.m., he was in the kitchen of the top story apartment where he and his wife lived. Mrs. Morrison had done the week's washing and was standing on a chair on the porch hanging it on the line to dry. Mr. Morrison heard a noise, went to see what it was, and found conditions as represented by the model. He had a job on the late shift but was up earlier than usual that day, as he hadn't worked the day before, which was Sunday.
Agnes Butler, a neighbor, gave the following statement:
She lived in the apartment below the Morrisons. She had bathed the baby on Monday morning, April 5, and put him in his carriage. She had done his wash and hung it out to dry. She was cleaning up the kitchen when she heard a crash, rushed out onto the porch and saw Mrs. Morrison lying on the ground below. The Morrisons quarreled a lot and Mr. Morrison didn't treat his wife very well. He drank and Mrs. Butler guessed he had lady friends. She heard the Morrisons quarreling that morning.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Attic
Reported Tuesday, December 24, 1946.
Jessie Comptom found dead in her house by Harry Frasier, a milk delivery man.
Mr. Frasier gave the following statement:
On the morning of Tuesday, December 24, about 6:00 a.m., he stopped at Miss Comptom's kitchen door to deliver the milk. The weather was very cold and he was surprised to find the door open. He put his head inside and called, but received no answer, so he then went part way up the attic stairs and saw Miss Comptom's body hanging there, so he went downstairs and telephoned the police.
Policeman John T. Adams received the telephone call at 6:43 a.m. Tuesday morning, December 24, and went at once to Miss Comptom's house. The snow on the path to the kitchen door was somewhat trampled and no distinct footprints could be recognized. There were unwashed dishes for one person on the kitchen table. The house downstairs was neat. The bed was made and undisturbed. However, he found the attic as represented in the model.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Jessie Comptom found dead in her house by Harry Frasier, a milk delivery man.
Mr. Frasier gave the following statement:
On the morning of Tuesday, December 24, about 6:00 a.m., he stopped at Miss Comptom's kitchen door to deliver the milk. The weather was very cold and he was surprised to find the door open. He put his head inside and called, but received no answer, so he then went part way up the attic stairs and saw Miss Comptom's body hanging there, so he went downstairs and telephoned the police.
Policeman John T. Adams received the telephone call at 6:43 a.m. Tuesday morning, December 24, and went at once to Miss Comptom's house. The snow on the path to the kitchen door was somewhat trampled and no distinct footprints could be recognized. There were unwashed dishes for one person on the kitchen table. The house downstairs was neat. The bed was made and undisturbed. However, he found the attic as represented in the model.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Unpapered Bedroom
Reported Monday, June 4, 1949.
An unknown woman found dead in a rooming house.
Bessie Collins, landlady, gave the following statement:
She keeps a rooming house, and on Saturday, June 2, in the early afternoon, the deceased and a man rented this room until Monday morning, registering as Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. On Monday morning, June 4, the man left early--about 6:30 a.m. He paid for the room up to 6:00 p.m. and said not to disturb his wife, as she wanted to sleep late.
About 3:00 p.m. on Monday afternoon, Mrs. Collins told Stella Walsh, the maid, to try to get into the room to make it up. Just before 5:00 p.m., Stella told Mrs. Collins there was something wrong. She tried twice but couldn't wake the woman, so Mrs. Collins and Stella entered the room, the door of which was not locked, and found the woman was cold--evidently dead. They left the room without disturbing anything, closed and locked the door, taking the key with them, and notified the patrolman on the beat.
The model shows the conditions in the room as the two women found them.
The case presents two problems:
Who was this woman? The means of identification is clearly visible.
What was the cause of her death? The medical examiner found the clue.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
An unknown woman found dead in a rooming house.
Bessie Collins, landlady, gave the following statement:
She keeps a rooming house, and on Saturday, June 2, in the early afternoon, the deceased and a man rented this room until Monday morning, registering as Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. On Monday morning, June 4, the man left early--about 6:30 a.m. He paid for the room up to 6:00 p.m. and said not to disturb his wife, as she wanted to sleep late.
About 3:00 p.m. on Monday afternoon, Mrs. Collins told Stella Walsh, the maid, to try to get into the room to make it up. Just before 5:00 p.m., Stella told Mrs. Collins there was something wrong. She tried twice but couldn't wake the woman, so Mrs. Collins and Stella entered the room, the door of which was not locked, and found the woman was cold--evidently dead. They left the room without disturbing anything, closed and locked the door, taking the key with them, and notified the patrolman on the beat.
The model shows the conditions in the room as the two women found them.
The case presents two problems:
Who was this woman? The means of identification is clearly visible.
What was the cause of her death? The medical examiner found the clue.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Striped Bedroom
Reported Monday, April 29, 1940.
Richard Harvey, ice-cream factory foreman, found dead by his mother, Mary Harvey.
Mrs. Harvey gave the following statement:
On Saturday night, April 27, Richard came home for supper as usual and after supper went back to work. He always worked late Saturday nights to get ready for the Sunday trade. She didn't know when he came in as she had gone to bed early. Sunday morning she let him sleep while she went to church and then, as usual, proceeded to her sister's for the day. When she returned home Sunday evening, Richard wasn't around so she opened his door and found the premises as represented by the model.
Richard was married about a year ago and brought his wife home to live. She is a nice girl and they were very happy. His wife was away now visiting her parents for a few days in another state. Richard was a good boy, but sometimes he had a little too much to drink, especially on Saturday nights. The dishpan belonged in the kitchen. She didn't know how it came to be in Richard's bedroom.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Richard Harvey, ice-cream factory foreman, found dead by his mother, Mary Harvey.
Mrs. Harvey gave the following statement:
On Saturday night, April 27, Richard came home for supper as usual and after supper went back to work. He always worked late Saturday nights to get ready for the Sunday trade. She didn't know when he came in as she had gone to bed early. Sunday morning she let him sleep while she went to church and then, as usual, proceeded to her sister's for the day. When she returned home Sunday evening, Richard wasn't around so she opened his door and found the premises as represented by the model.
Richard was married about a year ago and brought his wife home to live. She is a nice girl and they were very happy. His wife was away now visiting her parents for a few days in another state. Richard was a good boy, but sometimes he had a little too much to drink, especially on Saturday nights. The dishpan belonged in the kitchen. She didn't know how it came to be in Richard's bedroom.
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Monday, January 8, 2018
Sitting Room and Woodshed
Reported Saturday, October 25, 1947.
Eugene Black, town drunkard, found dead.
David Jackson, roomer in Black's house, gave the following statement:
Jackson has a large room over the woodshed. Coming home about 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, he found Black lying on the couch in the sitting room, very drunk and apparently asleep. On the floor beside him was an uncorked bottle of whiskey and Gene's .22 rifle, which usually hung on two spikes on the woodshed wall. Knowing that Gene was dangerous when drunk, Jackson, deeming it unsafe for him to have a gun so handy, took the .22 and replaced it in its accustomed place, the shed. He then went up to his room, read a while and went to bed.
Winifred, Eugene Black's daughter, gave the following statement:
Her mother is a bedridden invalid who never comes downstairs. Winifred does all the work of the house and takes care of her mother. She also has a job as clerk at the local 5&10. This was necessary, as her father had no job and couldn't get one because of drink. On the evening of October 24, she and her father had finished supper and he had gone out again. She was upstairs with her mother with the radio going, tuned in to a Western with lots of shooting. About 9:00 p.m.. they turned off the radio and about a half hour later were startled to hear groans, apparently downstairs. Winnie went down and found her father on the couch, evidently dying. She at once telephoned Dr. Monroe, the family doctor, who also happened to be the deputy medical investigator. Upon his arrival, he made a brief and hasty examination of Black, who was dead by this time, and ordered the body taken to Coffin & Graves Funeral Parlor. At the same time, Dr. Monroe signed the death certificate, giving as cause of death, "acute alcoholism."
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
Eugene Black, town drunkard, found dead.
David Jackson, roomer in Black's house, gave the following statement:
Jackson has a large room over the woodshed. Coming home about 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, he found Black lying on the couch in the sitting room, very drunk and apparently asleep. On the floor beside him was an uncorked bottle of whiskey and Gene's .22 rifle, which usually hung on two spikes on the woodshed wall. Knowing that Gene was dangerous when drunk, Jackson, deeming it unsafe for him to have a gun so handy, took the .22 and replaced it in its accustomed place, the shed. He then went up to his room, read a while and went to bed.
Winifred, Eugene Black's daughter, gave the following statement:
Her mother is a bedridden invalid who never comes downstairs. Winifred does all the work of the house and takes care of her mother. She also has a job as clerk at the local 5&10. This was necessary, as her father had no job and couldn't get one because of drink. On the evening of October 24, she and her father had finished supper and he had gone out again. She was upstairs with her mother with the radio going, tuned in to a Western with lots of shooting. About 9:00 p.m.. they turned off the radio and about a half hour later were startled to hear groans, apparently downstairs. Winnie went down and found her father on the couch, evidently dying. She at once telephoned Dr. Monroe, the family doctor, who also happened to be the deputy medical investigator. Upon his arrival, he made a brief and hasty examination of Black, who was dead by this time, and ordered the body taken to Coffin & Graves Funeral Parlor. At the same time, Dr. Monroe signed the death certificate, giving as cause of death, "acute alcoholism."
(To see a full-sized picture, click on the picture.)
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