Inactive and deceased donor cards

The bulk of this collection consists of correspondence and subject files dealing with New York Zoological Society administrative matters, 1902-1983 (bulk 1937-1976), New York Aquarium and Osborn Laboratories of Marine Sciences, 1944-1968, and wildlife research and conservation activities, 1927-1975 (bulk 1952-1971). There are many records regarding the Institute for Research in Animal Behavior (IRAB) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Also included are records regarding the NYZS fine arts collection and works by wildlife artist, Carl Rungius.

The remainder of the records, most predating Palmer’s tenure, was transferred to his office upon the death of NYZS President Fairfield Osborn in 1969. Osborn’s records consist of correspondence and subject files dealing with Society matters, 1935-1967, Conservation Foundation activities, 1949-1954, and African wildlife conservation, circa 1956-1965. The planning, building, and development of the New York Aquarium at Coney Island and the Osborn Laboratories of Marine Sciences are also the subjects of extensive correspondence and reports. There is also correspondence between Osborn and Parks Commissioner Robert Moses.