World’s first forensic science museum named after Henry Lee opens

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A museum of forensic science on the campus of East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL) named after Dr. Henry Lee, who dubbed as "modern Sherlock Holmes" by the media, was opened in Shanghai last Thursday.

The 300-square-meter museum has four thematic exhibition areas, displaying collections of Henry Lee’s work and devices he used for detection.

The first microscope Lee used in his laboratory in the 1980s. /WeChat Photo

Lee, the 79-year-old Asian American forensic guru, has donated 163 boxes of items to the museum, from a blood-stained shirt to a gypsum-carved footprint, as well as his uniform, badge and holster.

Among the collections, there are four highlights, including the evidence display board at the court of O. J. Simpson murder case, the first microscope Lee used in his laboratory in the 1980s, Lee’s class note while studying at the State University of New York and an old-fashion laptop Lee used in 1960s to 1970s.

An old-fashion laptop Lee used in the 1960s to 1970s. /WeChat Photo

Lee’s class note while studying at the State University of New York. /WeChat Photo

Lee thanked to his wife and mother at the museum’s opening ceremony. He said that his wife Song Miaojuan, known as Margaret, motivated him to build a great museum before she passed away in August.

According to the ECUPL, the museum will be used for students’ experimental training, scientific research and receiving visitors, etc.

Dr. Henry Chang-Yu Lee /ycwb.com Photo

As one of the most renowned forensic scientists in the world, Lee has worked on high-profile cases such as the O.J. Simpson trial and a re-investigation into the JFK assassination. He fought crime in uniform, retired from his post with the state, and has trained and inspired thousands of forensic scientists.