THE HISTORY AND WORK OF THE MUSEUM 
HE American Museum of Natural History was founded and 
incorporated in 1869 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 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 collections were se- 
cured. 
The cornerstone of the present building in Manhattan Square was 
laid in 1874 by President U. 8. Grant, in 1877 the first section (South 
Central Pavilion) 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 Fagade is 710 
feet in length; the total area of the floor space 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 of Corporate Stock, which have been made at 
intervals 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, (8) 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. 
History 
Administration 
and Support 
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