ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR. 



1919 



To the Trustees of Field Museum of Natural History: 



I have the honor to present a report of the operations of the Museum 

 for the year ending December 31, 1919. 



Uncertainty as to the date of removal to the new Museum building 

 in Grant Park was as far as hiunanly possible dissipated at the close 

 of the year, by the joint opinion of all parties and agencies concerned 

 in the big task that this movement could safely begin the latter part of 

 April, and it is upon this understanding that the personnel of the 

 Museum will enter the new year; with over ninety per cent of the ma- 

 terial ready for transportation and the building practically completed. 

 All the contracts incident to this most important work will have been 

 closed dtiring January and all arrangements perfected for the building 

 of spxiT tracks from the Illinois Central Railroad to platforms to be 

 constructed near the openings in each building provided for forwarding 

 and receiving. It is now estimated that the transfer of all properties 

 may be accomplished within sixty days and that before the end of 1920 

 siifficient installation will have been completed to justify admission of 

 the public to at least certain sections of the new building. 



After rather protracted negotiations, but without any serious dispute, 

 the contract with the Government permitting the hospitalization of the 

 new Museimi building was cancelled and the Museum accepted from the 

 Government an allowance as fiill satisfaction of the expenses incurred 

 and additional cost imposed during the time the Government controlled 

 building operations. 



Mr. James Simpson, Vice-President of Marshall Field & Company 

 and for many years the confidential associate of Marshall Field, donated 

 to the Museum such a simi of money as wotild be required to construct 

 the large assembly hall, or auditorium, in the new building. This gift 

 was accepted with expressions which the circumstance would naturally 

 invite. Subsequently, it was determined to dedicate this auditorium as 

 " James Simpson Theatre of Field Museimi of Natural History. " 

 It will accommodate one thousand people. A stage and its ordinary 

 accompaniments, foot lights, orchestra stall, etc., are included in the 



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