JOHN DAVID WOLFE 
as described below, was not until after a site within the Park itself was 
first selected. 
The action regarding plans was most broad-minded. It was first The Plans, 
resolved that Messrs. R. M. Hunt, Russell Sturgis, Jr., and Renwick 
and Sands be invited to unite in furnishing designs. The united plans 
were received by the Trustees on May 13, 1872, and again referred to 
a Committee on Plans composed of Messrs. Haines, Steward, Blodgett, 
and Roosevelt. At the same time, to insure a full discussion, it was 
resolved that letters be written to prominent scientific gentlemen 
asking their views in regard to the scope that should be comprised at 
this day in a Museum of Natural History for the City of New York, 
and Mr. D. G. Elliot was requested to communicate with Professor 
Asa Gray and Professor Richard Owen, asking them to submit a 
report furnishing a plan and a policy best calculated to promote the 
success of the Museum. 
In the midst of these promising steps toward the founding of a 
great Museum, President Wolfe died on Friday evening. May 17, 
1872, after a long and very honorable career of service to the city of 
New York. His presidency covered only three years, but this forma- 
tive period fixed the outlines and assured the future of the Museum. 
He lived long enough to see the prospect of its future greatness. The 
Museum owes its foundation in large measure to his aid and wise 
counsel, and will always count among its best treasures the name and 
character of its First President. 
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