Lecture Notes: Frances Glessner Lee and the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death

Introduction

• Frances Glessner Lee created dollhouses representing crime scenes in the 1940s-50s.
• These are known as the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death.
• Displayed at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Art Museum.
• Purpose: Train law enforcement in analytical skills.

Overview of the Dollhouses

• Total of 19 dioramas, each with a backstory from composite real crimes.
• Highly detailed, with accurate labels and evidence.
• Each scene presents two mysteries:
  • What happened in the dollhouses?
  • Why did Frances Glessner Lee create them?

Case Study: Judson Family

• Family: Robert, Kate, and baby Linda Mae Judson.
• Initial appearance: living the American dream until murders occurred.
• Notable evidence:
  • Blood stain in baby’s room without a clear trail.
  • Bloody footprints leading into the bedroom.
  • Husband found covered in blood on bed coverings.

Details and Evidence

• Dollhouses encourage careful investigation; every detail counts.
• Example: An egg beater originally a solid gold charm.
• Flashlight reveals hidden evidence in the models.
• Observations include:
  • Fabric patterns on chairs, scattered blocks, blood spatter on walls.

Purpose of the Nutshells

• Intended to train investigators to notice small, seemingly insignificant details.
• Focus is on the process of observation rather than solving the mysteries.

Case Study: Robin Barnes

• Time frame: Spring 1944.
• Findings:
  • Robin Barnes found dead in the kitchen.
  • Door locked from inside, window also locked.
  • Scene suggests she was preparing dinner (pie in oven, potatoes in sink).
  • All gas jets on the stove indicate potential foul play rather than suicide.
  • Weapons present: rolling pin, iron, knife.
  • Newspaper stuffed in the door suggests a possible suicide narrative.
• Reinforces the importance of detail recognition in investigations.

Frances Glessner Lee’s Legacy

• Heir to International Harvester fortune, used wealth for creating these miniatures.
• Endowed Harvard's Department of Legal Medicine, first of its kind.
• Became an honorary police captain.
• Helped shift detective methods towards evidence-based investigation.

Conclusion

• Lee’s creations are complex and layered with meaning.
• They serve as tools for education rather than just entertainment.
• Final note: Lee passed away in 1962; her models remain a resource for training.
• "Toy is only approved for ages... dead and older."