124 ADMINISTRATION 



THE HISTORY AND WORK OF THE MUSEUM 



THE American Museum of Natural History was founded and 

 incorporated in 1809 for the purpose of establishing a Museum 

 and Library of Natural History; of encouraging and developing 

 the study of Natural Science; of advancing the general knowledge of 

 History kindred subjects, and to that end of furnishing popular 



instruction. For eight years its temporary home was in 

 the Arsenal in Central Park during which time many important collec- 

 tions were secured. 



The cornerstone of the present building in Manhattan Square was 

 laid in 1874 by President U. S. Grant; in 1877 the first section (South 

 Central Wing) was completed, and on December 22, 1877, the Museum 

 was formally opened by President R. B. Hayes. 



The Museum building is one of the largest municipal structures in the 

 City, and has cost approximately $5,000,000. The South Facade is 710 

 feet in length; the total area of the floor is 470,789 square feet, or 

 about 10 acres, of which 271 ,886 square feet are open to the public. The 

 building when completed is designed to occupy all of Manhattan Square. 



The building is erected and largely maintained by the City, through 

 the Department of Parks. Building funds are provided for by issues 

 Administration of Corporate Stock, which have been made at intervals 

 and Support since 1871. The annual appropriation, known as the 

 Maintenance Fund, is devoted to the heating, lighting, repair and 

 supervision of the building and care of the collections. 



The Museum is under the control of a self-perpetuating Board of 

 Trustees, which has the entire direction of all its activities as well as the 

 guardianship of all the collections and exhibits. The Trustees give their 

 services without remuneration. 



The funds which enable the Trustees to purchase specimens, to carry 

 on explorations and various forms of scientific work, to prepare and 

 publish scientific papers and to enlarge the library are raised by contri- 

 butions from the Trustees and other friends. These contributions come 

 from three sources — namely, (1) the Endowment Fund, (2) Member- 

 ship Fund, (3) voluntary subscriptions. 



The interest of the Endowment Fund, which includes the magnificent 

 bequest of Mrs. Jesup, may be used for additions to the collections, 

 research, and for publication. It cannot be used for the care or repair 

 of the building, construction of cases or other maintenance work that 

 is properly the province of the City to provide for. 



