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 5 Collections and/or Records:
Carl Ethan Akeley photographs, circa 1920s
Two portraits of Akeley and two photographs of flamingos in Africa.
Carl Ethan Akeley portrait
Wrapped package containing portrait of Carl Akeley.
Mary Jobe Akeley photographs
Field photographs taken by Mary Jobe and Carl Akeley which include the Akeley-Eastman-Pomeroy and other African expeditions, portraitures, and American Museum of Natural History lab views of Carl Akeley's taxidermy.
Stereographs of African landscapes, people and culture
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.