Roy Chapman Andrews was an explorer, paleontologist, and a well-known figure at the American Museum of Natural History. Born in Beloit, Wisconsin on January 26, 1884 to Cora Chapman and Charles Ezra Andrews, he enjoyed hunting and the study of nature. He taught himself taxidermy and, being the only taxidermist in the Beloit area, provided preparation and mounting services for local hunters. (1) After graduating from Beloit College in 1906 with a B.A., Andrews sought a career at AMNH, but there were no positions available. He volunteered to work at the museum as a janitor and assistant to James L. Clark and was hired July 16, 1906. His taxidermy skills were quickly recognized and by 1908 he was able to convince the AMNH director, H.C. Bumpus to allow him to collect specimens in the field. (2)
The American Museum of Natural History Asiatic Zoological Expedition of
1916-1917 was led by Roy Chapman Andrews. The goal of the expedition was to
collect Asian mammals and birds to add to the planned Asiatic Hall of the
Museum. The Expedition traveled through areas of eastern and southwest China,
particularly in the Yunnan Province. They ultimately crossed over 2000 miles on
horseback, camping at such varied altitudes as 1500 to 15000 feet above sea
level while collecting approximately 3000 specimens for the Museum. (1)
