ORIGIN OF THE MUSEUM 
the property of the American Museum of Natural History, to 
be removed by them immediately after the expiration of six 
months' previous notice in writing to the Commissioners of 
the Park, or within six months after receiving a written 
notice from the Commissioners asking them to withdraw their 
property from the Park." * 
"The Board of Commissioners of the Department of 
Public Parks in the City of New York is hereby authorized 
to contract, direct, and to maintain in and upon that portion 
of the Central Park, formerly known as Manhattan Square, 
or any other public park, square, or place in said city, a 
suitable fireproof building ... for the purpose of establish- 
ing and maintaining therein ... a Museum of Natural 
History, by the American Museum of Natural History . . . 
and it shall be the duty of and lawful for the Comptroller 
of the City of New York to create and issue in the manner 
in this act provided such additional amounts of a public 
fund or stock, to be denominated 'The Museums of Art 
and Natural History Stock,' as shall be necessary to provide 
the money required for erecting said buildings, for an amount 
not exceeding the aforesaid limitations."! 
* Letter from W. A. Haines to Andrew H. Green, December 23, 1869. The 
terms were accepted by Mr. Green, January 21, 1870. 
t Act of the Legislature of the State of New York, passed April 22, 1876. 
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