Humble Beginnings
Today, the Cook Museum of Natural Science is a modern, state-of-the-art destination where visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of nature. Complete with a restaurant, store, and an interactive experience, it has become an iconic part of downtown Decatur, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors each year. As the museum celebrates its fifth anniversary in its current location in 2024, its roots can be traced back to 1968, when it all began with a pest control company and a growing insect collection.
Cook’s Pest Control
After his father’s death, John Cook, Sr. took over the family termite business and set out to honor the termite contracts his father had maintained since 1928. In 1952, Cook added pest control services to the successful termite business, and Cook’s Pest Control was born.
With business booming and expanding, Cook emphasized training his employees, and began collecting insects to use as an educational tool.
Cook’s Mini Zoo & Museum
Cook’s insect collection continued to grow with employees, local entomologists, and others adding to the collection. Word of the impressive collection spread, and soon school and Scout groups were eager to visit.
Encouraged by the interest and excitement in his exhibits, Cook began adding mounted wildlife, shells, rocks, and even more insects to his collections. Soon, the collection was so large, a 1,200 square-foot area was set aside in the company warehouse, and The Cook’s Mini Zoo & Museum was open for business!
A Contribution to the Community
By the end of the 1970s, Cook’s Mini Zoo & Museum was attracting thousands of visitors each year. Inspired by the community’s enthusiasm, Cook envisioned a larger, stand-alone museum. He believed the museum could not only showcase his diverse collections but also serve as a way to honor God’s creations and contribute to the community.
In 1980, Cook’s dream came to fruition with the opening of the original Cook Museum in Decatur.
