American Museum of Natural History
A natural history museum in New York City, founded in 1869, with extensive scientific collections, research programs, and exhibitions.
Natural history museum: A museum that collects, studies, and displays specimens and objects documenting the natural world. This is the museum type that defines the institution’s collections and public mission.
Milstein Hall of Ocean Life: An exhibition hall at the American Museum of Natural History devoted to marine life and ocean ecosystems. Its suspended blue whale model anchors one of the museum’s best-known environments.
Albert S. Bickmore: An American naturalist and educator who founded the American Museum of Natural History in 1869. His campaign established the institution and its original educational purpose.
New York City: The largest city in the United States, located at the mouth of the Hudson River. The city’s civic institutions and donors enabled the museum’s founding and growth.
Museum anthropology: The study of how museums collect, classify, interpret, and display human cultures and material heritage. The museum’s anthropology displays and holdings illustrate the field’s changing practices.
Museum collection: An institution’s organized holdings of objects preserved for research, education, or exhibition. The museum’s scientific holdings underpin both research and many displays.
Akeley Hall of African Mammals: An American Museum of Natural History hall featuring habitat groups of African mammals. Its detailed scenes exemplify the museum’s tradition of immersive natural-history display.
Morris K. Jesup: An American businessman and philanthropist who served as president of the American Museum of Natural History. His leadership and donations helped expand the museum’s collections and research.
Museum of Comparative Zoology: A Harvard University museum founded in 1859 for research and teaching in zoology. Its earlier academic model offers a useful comparison for the museum’s broader public mission.
Conservation movement: Efforts to protect natural resources, species, and ecosystems from depletion or destruction. Museum research and public education have contributed to conservation awareness.