Oliver, James A. (James Arthur), 1914-1981

Scope and Contents "High speed photography of a rattlesnake strike. Photographed in the Bronx Zoo by Henry M. Lester. Photographic consultant Sam Dunton New York Zoological Society Staff Photographer. With Herman "the toughest Texan of them all." Directed by Dr. James A. Oliver Curator of Reptiles. A timber rattlesnake is a fairly fast striker. Here he is photographed at normal speed"--Film credits. "This year it was our attempt to obtain a motion picture in full color, at ultra slow speed, of a rattlesnake's...

Scope and Contents

An educational film featuring different animals in their native ecosystems. "Encyclopedia Britannica Films in collaboration with James A. Oliver Director of the New York Zoological Park"--Film credits.

Abstract During the course of his career, James A. Oliver held various positions at some of New York City’s most prominent science museums, notably Director of the American Museum of Natural History and of the New York Zoological Society’s Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium. Oliver’s New York Aquarium records contain his general correspondence with the public and his internal administrative files, and reflect his tenure as Director, during which he oversaw the Aquarium’s day-to-day management and...

Abstract The collection holds correspondence, administrative and operational records, subject files, and other materials from directors, curators, and other senior staff at the New York Aquarium. After a long closure, the New York Zoological Society [NYZS] reopened the New York Aquarium [NYA] in its new location on Coney Island in 1957, with Director Christopher W. Coates at the helm. Coates’s 1964 retirement, however, heralded the start of over a decade of high turnover for the Aquariums directors...

Abstract After having received his doctorate at the University of Michigan, James A. Oliver was hired as Assistant Curator of Herpetology at the American Museum of Natural History. In 1948 Oliver left the Museum for the University of Florida's Biology Department; after three years the New York Zoological Society hired him to be the Bronx Zoo's Curator of Herpetology. Under his direction the Zoo's herpetological collections and research efforts flourished; Oliver also renovated and modernized the...

Scope and Contents

First film in the NYZS The Living Reptile Series. NYZS educational film shot at the Bronx Zoo and on location in Florida, featuring Turtles, Crocodilians, Beak-Heads, Lizards and Snakes. "Produced in the NY Zoological Park. Under the direction of James A. Oliver Curator of Reptiles. Photographed by Sam Dunton. Directed by William Bridges. Permission to photograph many scenes in the Everglades National Park and Marine Studios at Marineland Florida is gratefully acknowledged"--Film credits.

Scope and Contents

Film illustrating king cobras from the Reptile House reproducing, with close-ups focusing on studying the snake eggs. "Living Reptile series Ohpiophagus. Directed under the supervision of James A. Oliver, Curator of Reptiles"--Film credits.