1961-1962 - American Museum of Natural History

educational contributions, and their financial needs. Dr. Oliver
is a member of this Committee.
After a careful study, the Committee recommended an annual
appropriation toward the support of museums in order to
provide for the continuance, improvement, and expansion of
educational services of existing museums and for the development
of regional museum systems.
The need for such state support is manifest. As Dr. Allen
said in accepting the Committee's report: "Museums are one
of education's principal resources and contribute in great measure
to the educational opportunities afforded school-age youth
as well as adults. .
. To keep pace with increasing demands
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and rising costs, the museums of New York State need the understanding
and support of everyone interested in the educational
and cultural well-being of our people."
We are faced with a dual responsibility: first, to assure that
the Museum will always speak with the voice of scientific authority
in the field of natural history, and, second, to follow
sound business practices in the conduct of our affairs. In this
respect every intelligent means is being used to reduce the gap
between income and expense without interfering with our Museum's
principal objectives-the increase and dissemination of
scientific knowledge.
I wish to express my appreciation for the understanding response
and cooperation on the part of all Museum employees
and thank them for their part in our joint effort to make the
Museum operation one of excellence.
We were saddened this year by the death of one of our Honorary
Trustees, Mr. Robert Woods Bliss, who became interested
in the Museum in 1916. For 24 years he served on our Board,
first as an active and later as an honorary member.
Three new Trustees were elected during the year. We welcome
Messrs. Arthur Gray, Jr., Robert P. Koenig, and Henry
Sears to the Board.
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