Founding of the American Museum of Natural History

Background. Albert Bickmore conceived the idea for a natural history museum in 1861, arguing that New York City was the ideal location due to its wealth. His advocacy gained momentum after Barnum's American Museum burned down in 1868. In December 1868, eighteen prominent New Yorkers petitioned the Central Park Commission for the museum's creation, and commissioner Andrew Haswell Green expressed support in January 1869.

Legislation and Naming. The name "American Museum of Natural History" was first used in the charter. The legislation required the signature of New York Governor John Thompson Hoffman, who was associated with the Tweed Ring. Hoffman signed the bill on April 6, 1869, officially creating the museum. John David Wolfe was designated as the first president, and the executive committee later secured permission to use the Arsenal building.

Early Operations. Following the legislative approval, the museum's executive committee requested the use of the top two stories of Central Park's Arsenal. Andrew Haswell Green approved this request in January 1870. The museum subsequently opened within the Arsenal on May 22, 1871, marking the beginning of its physical operations in New York City.