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Akeley, Carl Ethan, 1864-1926

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1864-05-19 - 1926-11-17

Summary

Abstract:

Carl Ethan Akeley (born May 19, 1864, Clarendon, New York— died November 17, 1926, Belgian Congo, Africa), taxidermist, sculptor, inventor, explorer, and naturalist, who led five expeditions to Africa, three of which for the Museum of Natural History where he gathered specimens for his African Hall Exhibition. He is the author of the book In Brightest Africa.

Chronology:
1876
Mounted first bird at approximately 12 years old (1), Clarendon, NY
1877
13 years old. Borrowed a book on taxidermy and took painting lessons in Holley to make backgrounds (1), Clarendon, NY
1882-1883
Began apprenticeship at Ward's Natural Science Establishment, Rochester, NY
1883
Intermission from Ward's where he worked for six months in the shop of John Wallace in New York City (1), New York
1884-01
Returned to Ward’s Natural Science Establishment where he remained for three years (1), Rochester, NY
1886-11-08
Arrived in Milwaukee and worked for Milwaukee museum (1), Milwaukee, WI

Topics

Found in 16 Collections and/or Records:

Mary Jobe Akeley papers

 Collection
Identifier: Mss .A342-.A344
Dates: 1859-1940
Found in: Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library / Mary Jobe Akeley papers

Akeley Memorial Hall of African Mammals photographic slides

 Collection
Identifier: PSC 25
Scope and Contents

Primarily images from the dioramas in the the AMNH Akeley Memorial Hall of African Mammals with some interior views of the hall. Includes some images of preparator refurbishing Cheetah Group inside the diorama, 1974. Also includes 5 duplicate slides of black and white photographs depicting Carl Akeley in the field, a group photograph and an illustration of the African Mammal Hall.

Dates: 1949,1974, undated
Found in: Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library / Akeley Memorial Hall of African Mammals photographic slides

Art Survey No. 600: The Old Man of Mikeno / On base mid "Carl Akeley sc.", 1923

 Item
Identifier: Art Survey No. 600
Scope and Contents

Head and shoulders of gorilla. Inscription: On base "The Old Man of Mikeno/Carl Akeley sc./(c) 1923" Rear of base "Kunst Foundry. N.Y."

Dates: 1923
Found in: Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library / Art Survey No. 1-1459, DRAFT AMNH Art survey

Art Survey No. 870: Stung / Base "Carl E. Akeley", undated

 Item
Identifier: Art Survey No. 870
Scope and Contents

Elephant with snake around right fore-leg. Black base. Inscription: On base "Stung."

Dates: undated
Found in: Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library / Art Survey No. 1-1459, DRAFT AMNH Art survey

Carl and Mary in Africa

 Collection
Identifier: Film Collection no. 24
Scope and Contents Filmed during the AMNH Eastman-Pomeroy-Akeley East African Expedition, 1926. In the opening sequence, Carl Ethan Akeley (associate in the AMNH Department of Mammalogy, and associate curator and adviser in the AMNH Department of Preparation) watches artist William R. Leigh painting habitat studies for the background of the klipspringer group, one of the dioramas now in the museum's Akeley Hall of African Mammals. At the campsite, located in the Lukenia Hills 40 miles east of Nairobi, Leigh...
Dates: 1926
Found in: Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library / Carl and Mary in Africa

Carl Ethan Akeley photographs, circa 1920s

 Collection
Identifier: PPC .A4251
Scope and Contents

Two portraits of Akeley and two photographs of flamingos in Africa.

Dates: circa 1920s
Found in: Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library / Carl Ethan Akeley photographs, circa 1920s

Carl Ethan Akeley portrait

 Collection
Identifier: PPC .A4252
Scope and Contents

Wrapped package containing portrait of Carl Akeley.

Dates: undated
Found in: Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library / Carl Ethan Akeley portrait

Exhibition Tools and Materials

 Collection
Identifier: Mem 308
Scope and Contents Since its inception in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History had exhibitions related to the natural world, human cultures, and the universe. The habitat dioramas are predominantly featured in the Museum, with the first appearing in the late 1800s. A combination of distinct methods and tools was used to create the background, foreground, and taxidermy specimens that compose these exhibits, which improved with the advancement of technology and new knowledge.The exhibition...
Dates: Usage: circa 1887-1990s
Found in: Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library / Exhibition Tools and Materials

William King Gregory papers, 1889-1948 (bulk 1906-1948)

 Collection
Identifier: Mss .G7441
Scope and Contents The collection consists of administrative, scientific, academic and personal papers, and correspondence. Papers include Gregory's general correspondence with universities, colleges and scientists about his research topics and publications; correspondence with museums about purchasing replicas of fossils; and with students seeking employement. Other papers include lecture notes prepared for zoology classes emphasizing evolution, 1925-1926 and 1939; and manuscripts and notes for his...
Dates: 1889-1948; Majority of material found within 1906-1948
Found in: Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library / William King Gregory papers, 1889-1948 (bulk 1906-1948)

Mary Jobe Akeley papers, 1859-1940, reproduction, 1987

 Series
Identifier: Archives Microfilm #76
Scope and Contents

Microfilm of Mary Jobe Akeley papers (1859-1940) relating to Mary Jobe Akeley and her husband Carl E. Akeley.

Dates: Other: 1987
Found in: Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library / Archives Microfilm #1-227, Archives and Manuscripts microfilm
American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History
Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library
200 Central Park West
New York, NY 10024-5192

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