From Junior Naturalist to Bay Pioneer: Romeo Mansueti

Join the Natural History Society of Maryland for a special Founders Day tribute honoring Romeo Mansueti (1923–1963) — one of our own whose scientific legacy continues to shape Chesapeake Bay research today.

Mansueti’s journey began here as a Junior Naturalist, carried him through years of service as NHSM Curator, and led to pioneering research on fish early life history at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. Though his life was cut short at age forty, his work laid foundational ground for future generations of Bay scientists.

We are honored to welcome Dr. David Secor, Distinguished Professor of Marine Sciences and longtime fisheries biologist at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, as our featured speaker. Dr. Secor, a noted expert on fish migration and life history, has continued the research legacy Mansueti began and will share insights into Mansueti’s lasting impact on Bay science and fisheries biology.

Amy Young, NHSM’s junior historian and author of the forthcoming centennial history of the Society, will share stories and archival details from Mansueti’s years at NHSM. NOTE: If you have any materials, memorabilia, or information about Romeo to share, please email nhsm@marylandnature.org to get in touch with Amy.

And it wouldn’t be NHSM Founders’ Day without cake!

Discover how a young naturalist’s curiosity became a scientific tradition that still influences research today.

• Doors open at 3:45pm. Program will begin at 4:15pm.
• Free for members, but please RSVP for planning purposes.
• Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM.
• Spaces are limited