Earlier this month, BBC’s Antiques Road Trip shone a spotlight on one of the North West’s most remarkable naturalists – Nora Fisher McMillan MBE – whose contributions to conchology (the study of mollusc shells) have left a lasting legacy.
The segment was partly filmed at Dibbinsdale Nature Reserve on the Wirral, a place where Nora herself once surveyed. Our very own Leanna Dixon, Assistant Tanyptera Entomologist, joined presenters Phil Serrell and Tahmina Ghaffar to give them a taste of Nora’s meticulous fieldwork methods. Together, they explored the reserve’s pond, demonstrating how Nora would have collected and studied molluscs in their natural habitat.
Breaking Barriers in Science
During the visit, Leanna shared Nora’s story – not just her scientific achievements, but also the challenges she faced as a woman in the early 20th century. In 1937, Nora was forced to leave her position as a curator at Liverpool Museum (now World Museum) due to the marriage bar, a policy that prevented married women from holding certain jobs. Despite this setback, Nora continued her research and became a leading authority on molluscs, earning an MBE for her contributions.
A Glimpse into Nora’s World
The journey continued at World Museum, where Leanna introduced Tahmina to the museum’s conchology collections. Among the treasures was some of Nora’s personal shell collection – including specimens from the very pond they had visited earlier that day. These shells, carefully preserved, offer a tangible link to Nora’s dedication and passion for natural history.
The team then examined some of these shells under a microscope in the museum’s entomology lab, highlighting the intricate beauty and scientific value of molluscs – a testament to Nora’s lifelong commitment to understanding the natural world.
Why Nora’s Legacy Matters
Nora McMillan’s story is more than a chapter in scientific history; it’s a reminder of the resilience and determination required to pursue knowledge against the odds. Her contributions to mollusc studies remain influential today.
Watch the segment on BBC iPlayer (starts at 9 minutes 50 seconds).
Read more about Nora’s life and work here.
