James Paul Chapin (1889-1964) was a noted Ornithologist and former Curator
at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. At the age of 19 he
took the role of assistant to the American Museum Congo Expedition (1909-1915).
This began his life-long association with that region and established his place
as an expert on the birds of the Congo. A graduate of Columbia University,
Chapin worked at the Museum from 1905 until his official retirement in 1948,
after which he took the role of research associate in African Ornithology and
curator emeritus until his death.
C. Suydam Cutting was born in New York City in 1899, and died in 1972. He was the son of Robert Fulton Cutting (1852-1934). Cutting senior was a trustee of the American Museum of Natural History, and a banker; politician; society figure; and philanthropist.(1) C. Suydam Cutting served in both world wars and was a decorated veteran. He had a Croix de Guerre (with gold star) and Croix Noire from the French. He was also an Honorary Commander, Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. (2)
George Clyde Fisher, known as Clyde, was a scientist and educator who
worked for the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) from 1913 until his
retirement in 1941. He worked in the Department of Education before his
involvement in the development of the Astronomy department. He was instrumental
in the planning and execution of the Hayden Planetarium, and acted as its first
curator when it opened in 1935.