' 1 109/1, 



Museum of Natural History 



Conspicuous features for the past year are the results of systemati- 

 cally developed methods of cooperation with the schools. 



School courses in nature study have been supplemented at the Mu- 

 seum by illustrative specimens, and thirty-seven additional loan collec- 

 tions have been in active use. Three-fourths of the school children visit- 

 ing the Museum have a definite question to ask; and this estimate 

 applies to the general public as well, there being a notable decrease in 

 the number of persons who come aimlessly. 



The total attendance, including attendance at lectures and other 

 meetings relating to the work of the Museum, was 31,053. 



Activity During the Fuel Crisis 



To the Museum, as to other institutions, the enforced closing of 

 schools during the fuel crisis meant increased activity. Children flocked 

 to the building and showed eagerness to be doing something. This 

 desire was met by improvised games that would lead to study of ex- 

 hibits, by encouragement of drawing and modeling, and the assigning 

 of small tasks that the children delighted to perform. Ingenuity of the 

 staff was taxed to the utmost to make the Museum supply its best for 

 the hundreds of eager boys and girls. For the high schools, class rooms 

 were provided. Apparatus was brought to the Museum where school 

 work was continued. From the head of the science department of the 

 Central High School came the following statement; — ''The Junior Col- 

 lege work in physics was thereby continued without a break, which 

 meant a great deal to us." 



Evening Openings for the Soldiers 



Twice during the winter the Museum has been opened for soldiers. 

 There was a prompt response to invitations to spend an evening looking 

 at the collections, and to enjoy the social features and refreshments 

 provided. Cases of the apple tree's finest product supplied by our 

 president, Mr. Nathan D. Bill, found favor with the guests, of whom 

 there were fifty or sixty at each gathering. 



Work With Boy Scouts 



Boy Scouts are finding the Museum helpful in the nature work re- 

 quired by their organization. Assistance in the study of birds has been 

 sought, and applicants have been examined for merit badges. 



Lectures 



Illustrated lectures and scientific motion pictures were given jointly 

 with the High School of Commerce, while lectures and talks that attract 



