Akeley, Carl Ethan, 1864-1926
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 14 Collections and/or Records:
Stereographs of African landscapes, people and culture
Stung / Base "Carl E. Akeley"
Elephant with snake around right fore-leg. Black base. Inscription: On base "Stung."
The Old Man of Mikeno / On base mid "Carl Akeley sc."
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."
Vernon Shaw Kennedy collection of stereographs, photographs, and papers
Collection consists mostly of stereographs taken on an expedition to British East Africa, 1905-1907. One stereograph is of Carl Akeley. Also includes 3 photographs of animals possibly taken at London Zoo. Other materials include two field notebooks, typescript and handwritten documents on the Aurora Borealis, clipping regarding the death of Captain Johansen and a book review to AMNH, Specal Collections.