Colin Davey

The American Museum of Natural History and How It Got That Way by Colin Davey is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. This is certainly the book for any those who love history. I have always wanted to visit this giant time capsule but haven't made it yet.
This book is great in taking the reader through all the aspects of getting the Museum and land and all the problems that went with it. There were unique politically instances, Mason traditions for the cornerstone, and all the expansions. There are many significant expeditions described that lead to more treasures added to the growing collection and expanding museum. (This was my favorite section.) I really didn't understand just how big it really is! The book is divided into two parts and part one starts a bit slow but hang in there, it gets better and the wealth of information is great!… (meer)

This history does pretty much what the title claims. If there was a class being held on the topic, it would make a good textbook, and it's written like one, so it's not an overly exciting volume. But it certainly provides a factual context to the early history of both Central Park and the Museum, and this is, surprisingly. one of the most interesting parts of the book. The stories of the politics and personalities involved make for an entertaining look at how people in various spheres work both together and against each other in building city structures and cultural spaces. Teddy Roosevelt makes numerous appearances, as do various famous names in exploration and paleontology. Aside from the actual founding and early building of the museum, the main topics of interest are the development of the African dioramas and the dinosaur exhibits, Peary's arctic travels, and the history of the Hayden Planetarium and, later, the Rose Center for Earth and Space. This is an updated version of the book and includes information on new developments at the Rose Center current to December, 2018.

I have seen only an e-book review copy so can't comment on the final illustrations. Those included in the copy I received included old maps of Central Park, basic diagrams of the buildings as they evolved, and some (mostly early) black and white photos of (primarily) the rise of the building and various iterations of the large dinosaur displays. The text is liberally footnoted. The book can be used as a basic overview or as a source for interesting topics to be pursued independently.… (meer)

The American Museum Of Natural History And How It Got That Way
by Colin Davey
2019
Empire State Editions/ Fordham University Press
5.0 / 5.0

When I visited NYC years ago, one of the things I most enjoyed were the museums. One of my favorites- and most interesting, to me-was the American Museum of Natural History. When I saw this book available as an ARC, I was excited and pleased to be sent an e-book copy.

The history of the museum, founded by Albert S. Bickmore in 1872, is as fascinating as the exhibits. The site finally chosen for the museum was then known as Manhattan Square (renamed Theodore Roosevelt Park in 1958)and was located on Eighth Ave., now known as Central Park West. Architects Vaux and Mould began plans for a 14th Century gothic style building. The museum opened in December 1877 to sold out seats and a private tour given to President Hayes. The first wing would be named The Bickman Wing, after its founder.
There were many challenges in keeping this museum going and growing.

Each chapter centers on different Halls or displays. The origins, influences, and ideas that came together to make these exhibits. The detailed history, central to the museum, was detailed and engaging. The lives of Bickmore, Jessop and Osborn were central and influential in the building of the museum. The dinosaur collection, the largest in the world, draws the most attendance. The Hall of North American Birds and the Hayden Planetarium (since demolished and rebuilt as the Rose Center for Earth and Science) are also amazing stories.

This is well
written and researched, the history is so influential and inspiring. Thanks to Fordham University Press and the author for sharing this e-book ARC.
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