PRESIDENCY OF 



MORRIS KETCHUM JESUP 



1881-1908 



MR. JESUP was elected to the presidency on February 14, 

 1881, at a time both promising and critical. The prospects 

 of the Museum were broadening, but the responsibilities 

 were increasing in the same proportion. The institution had out- 

 grown its original organization, and scientific and educational devel- 

 opment was needed, as well as more building space. The revenues 

 from the City were very inadequate, and the foundation of an endow- 

 ment fund was imperative. Little advance had been made in the 

 methods of display of the collections, or in meeting the real educational 

 needs of the public. 



Mr. Jesup had been fitted for the office by his connection with the Experience, 

 founding of the Museum and by his long service on the Executive, 

 Auditing, Nominating, Legislative, and Building Committees. He 

 was elected Chairman of the Executive Committee on March 29, 1880, 

 and immediately qualified himself for this office by a thorough ex- 

 amination of the work of every department of the Museum: its col- 

 lections, its scientific officers, its methods of exhibition, and the im- 

 pression it was making upon visitors. His observations were embodied 

 in a report to President Stuart of April 13, 1880. He especially 

 observed that the grand collection of birds and mammals was not 

 exhibited in attractive form, and that it was desirable to show some 

 of the applications of science both in forestry and geology. As regards 

 income, he pointed out that the only fixed annual income of the Museum 

 was the City's appropriation of $15,000, and the interest from the 

 $55,000 of invested funds. 



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