Report of the President 91 



III. MEMBERSHIP 



George H. Sherwood, Assistant Secretary 



The Museum regards its membership as among its most 

 important influences, not merely because of the considerable 

 income which membership fees provide, but because through 

 the personal interest of Members the Museum is given greater 

 publicity, and its sphere of usefulness is extended. The 

 emphasis that is placed on the financial needs of the Museum 

 is apt to divert attention from the importance of the service 

 thus rendered by Members. The Museum is an institution 

 which belongs to the people, and through membership an 

 opportunity is afforded for many to take a practical part in its 

 development. Let no one think that, because he cannot 

 contribute more than the $10 for an annual membership fee, 

 his support is not welcome. An Annual Member may render 

 inestimable service in securing other friends for the institution. 



The Museum is able to extend certain privileges to Mem- 

 bers which cannot be granted to those who are not Members. 



w , , T Members enjoy the use of the Members' 



Members Lectures ^ , . / / , ^ . e 



Room, which has been expressly fitted for 



their convenience; Members receive gratis the American 

 Museum Journal, a publication of much general interest 

 regarding the activities of the Museum, and including special 

 articles concerning new or important collections or expedi- 

 tions; Members receive tickets for lectures given at the 

 Museum, and copies of the current Guide Leaflets on request. 

 They also may have the services of an instructor to point out 

 and explain important exhibits. 



First announcement of all important scientific exploration 

 is always made to our Members. The lectures for Members, 

 given annually, this year comprised four lectures in the spring 

 course and four in the autumn course. One of these lectures 

 was to have been given by Mr. Donald' B. MacMillan, the 

 leader of the Crocker Land Expedition, but the unexpected 

 delay in the return of the party made it necessary to postpone 

 this lecture. In its place Members had an opportunity to 



