New York American Museum of Natural History

Dinosaurs are a big draw at the museum.

From penguins to Pluto, and dinosaurs to first peoples, the American Museum of Natural History offers a phenomenal array of scientific, educational and fun programs and exhibits. In 2009, four million people enjoyed this New York City attraction. Since June of 1874, when President Ulysses S. Grant laid the cornerstone at 77th Street, visitors have come in droves from around the world to admire the collections, to appreciate the wonders, and to learn about their origins, and the universe at large.

History

The museum is the brainchild of Albert Smith Bickmore, who proposed such a place be created in the city. Supported by then President Theodore Roosevelt Sr. and others, a bill to put things in motion was signed in 1869 by New York Gov. John Thompson Hoffman. On December 22, 1877, President Rutherford B. Hayes presided over the public opening of the first building of the museum. Through the following years, permanent and changing exhibitions were created covering every major scientific subject. Expeditions to distant reaches began in the late 1800s to the Pacific Northwest, China, Russia and Canada. These expeditions continue today; some are offered to the general public. Anthropologist Margaret Mead worked at the museum from 1926 until her death in 1978. Through the 1900s, additional exhibits filled more halls and floors of the museums, and major centers for education opened.

Exhibits

The programs and exhibits are not limited to the confines of New York. In 2009, according to the AMNH annual report, "23 Museum exhibitions and five Space Shows were presented in 67 venues in 20 countries. More than 40 venues featured the Museum's Science Bulletins in the U.S. and abroad."
Permanent exhibits include the Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origins, which tells the story of human evolution; more than 600 specimens in the Fossil Halls; the Arthur Ross Hall of Meteorites with details on the solar system and more; and the Millstein Hall of Ocean Life featuring the blue whale and a two-story diorama. In addition to these, numerous other topics are covered in changing exhibits. The Margaret Mead Film Festival takes place annually, and is the oldest documentary showcase in the U.S.

Education

Though the museum offers numerous educational programs and field trips for children and adults, the Richard Gilder Graduate School is a major program which helps train the next generation of scientists. AMNH is the only museum to offer a Ph.D. Other than the formal educational programs, the museum's every exhibit offers something educational, and over 1,000 educational resources are available online through its website.

Research

During fiscal year 2009, the AMNH spent approximately $34 million on scientific research undertaken on every continent, and Curator Ross MacPhee continued fieldwork in Antarctica. More than 200 scientists work at the museum in disciplines ranging from anthropology, biology and paleontology to earth and planetary sciences. The museum boasts a "world-class collection of more than 32 million specimens and artifacts."

Location and Details

The American Museum of Natural History can be found on Central Park West at 79th Street, in the bustling metropolis of New York. It is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, between 10 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Tickets range in price from $16 and $35 for adults, depending on various packages that can include an Imax film, the planetarium space show, and live special exhibitions. Discounts are available for children, students and seniors, and those who purchase annual memberships to the museum get in free. Exhibitions change periodically, so be sure to phone [phone] in advance to learn about what will be open during your visit.

References

• American Museum of Natural History
• AMNH 2009 Annual Report
• The Official New York City Guide to Attractions

Resources

• AMNH: Margaret Mead
• Official New York City Website
• ILOVENY: The Official New York State Tourism Site