Murder Is Her Hobby

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been hard at work on a batch of stories you’re going to love. So this week, we're sharing one of our favorite episodes from the fall. Heiress, divorcée … mother of forensic science? Frances Glessner Lee was not your average 19th-century woman. Using the skills that high-society ladies were expected to have—like sewing, crafting, and knitting—Frances revolutionized the male-dominated world of crime scene investigation. Her most celebrated contribution: 19 intricate dioramas depicting violent murder scenes. In this episode of Sidedoor, we'll explore Frances's morbid obsession, and discover why the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery chose to put them on display.

France Glessner Lee’s "Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death" was on display at the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery through January 28, 2018. Check out some gruesome images of the Nutshell Studies and Frances herself in this Smithsonian Magazine article. Couldn't make it to the exhibit at the Renwick Gallery? Have no fear, public appointments can be made at the Baltimore Medical Examiner’s office by calling 410.333.3225.