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 Experii 
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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