The Making of a Dinosaur (Exhibition)

Exist Dates

1978 February 6 - 1979

Biographical or Historical Note

abstract

Exhibition. Opened February 6, 1978 and closed approximately 1979. Located in Section 9, Floor 4 in the Hall of Late Dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History. The Making of a Dinosaur allowed visitors to view a scientific project in process, the molding and casting of the Museum's triceratops skeleton in the Hall of Late Dinosaurs.

Summary

The Making of a Dinosaur allowed visitors to view a scientific project in process, the molding and casting of the Museum's triceratops skeleton in the Hall of Late Dinosaurs. The work resulted in an exact replica of the skeleton for the Buffalo Museum of Science. The triceratops was slowly dismantled by volunteers, including art and anthropology students, who were supervised by Martin Cassidy, head of Museum Reproductions. Cassidy and his assistants were available at the exhibit to answer questions. Finished castings, other demonstration material, photographs, and written information were on view near the work area (1).

This is a condensed summary of the exhibition. For additional information, see Sources and/or Related Resources.

Sources

(1) American Museum of Natural History. Press Release. "Special Glimpse into the Making of a Dinosaur Featured at American Museum of Natural History Beginning Feb. 6." January 16, 1976. Departmental Records, DR 101. American Museum of Natural History Library.

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Related Corporate, Personal, and Family Names

American Museum of Natural History. Hall of Late Dinosaurs.
Location of exhibition 1978 February 6 – approximately 1979 (1)

Buffalo Museum of Science
Institutional partner (1)

Cassidy, Martin W.
Exhibition project supervisor; Head of Museum Reproductions (1)

Related Resources

American Museum of Natural History. Annual Report. New York: American Museum of Natural History, 1977-1978: 20.

American Museum of Natural History annual reports, 1902-2001.
"Annual Report – Department of Exhibition and Graphics 1977-1978." [1978].

American Museum of Natural History photographic drawers
Repository: AMNH Special Collections [Black and white contact sheets of exhibition on view and work in progress]

American Museum of Natural History press releases, 1933-1990s.
"Calendar of Events, December 1978. " [1978].; "Calendar of Events, January 1979. " [1978].; "Calendar of Events, February 1979. " [1978-1979].; "Special Glimpse into the Making of a Dinosaur Featured at American Museum of Natural History Beginning Feb. 6." January 16, 1976.

Office of Public Affairs financial records and press clippings, 1974-1984. American Museum of Natural History Library Special Collections.

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