New York Zoological Society. Department of Herpetology and Department of Mammalogy. Office of Curator. Raymond L. Ditmars records
Scope and Content
This collection includes records related to Raymond L. Ditmars's role as New York Zoological Society Curator of Herpetology and Curator of Mammalogy between 1925 and 1940. The majority of the records concern Ditmars's work in the Department of Herpetology. Included is correspondence with reptile specialists, animal traders, and the interested public, as well as typescripts for publications and radio broadcasts by Ditmars.
Dates
- 1925 - 1940
Creator
- Ditmars, Raymond Lee, 1876-1942 (Person)
Access Restrictions
Please contact the WCS Archives regarding possible access restrictions.
Usage Restrictions
Please contact the WCS Archives regarding possible usage restrictions.
Biographical Note
One of the Bronx Zoo's earliest staff members, Raymond Ditmars (1876-1942) was hired as Associate Curator of Reptiles in 1899 and promoted to Curator in 1902. In addition to his duties in the Department of Reptiles, Ditmars was the general supervisor of the Department of Mammals from 1901 until his appointment as Curator of Mammals and Reptiles in 1926. In 1940 he assumed the position of Curator of Reptiles and Insects and Honorary Curator of Mammals before retiring in January 1942.
Ditmars was a prolific lecturer and writer, who also produced nature documentaries, and he did much to popularize the field of herpetology. Among his book titles are The Reptile Book (1907), Reptiles of the World (1910), and Strange Animals I Have Known (1931).
Ditmars was also instrumental in bringing about the US manufacture of antivenins, and he worked with others to establish the Anitvenin Institute of America.
Extent
1.8 Linear Feet (4 Hollinger boxes, 1 half-Hollinger box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
One of the Bronx Zoo's earliest staff members, Raymond L. Ditmars (1876-1942) served as Curator of Reptiles, Curator of Mammals and Reptiles, and Curator of Insects and Reptiles. These records deal primarily with his work in the Department of Herpetology. Included is correspondence with reptile specialists, animal traders, and the interested public. Notable correspondents include Thomas Barbour and Gifford Pinchot.
Arrangement
These records are arranged in three series:
- Series 1
- Correspondence, 1925-1929, alphabetical within year
- Series 2
- Writings, circa 1927-1934
- Series 3
- Miscellaneous records, circa 1934-1940
Acquisition Information
Internal transfer.
Creator
- Ditmars, Raymond Lee, 1876-1942 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Records of New York Zoological Society Herpetology Department and Mammalogy Department Curator Raymond L. Ditmars, 1925-1940
- Status
- Published
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Wildlife Conservation Society Archives Repository