Smithsonian Institution Archives

Records, 1883-1977

Summary

Collection ID:
SIA.FARU7150
Creators:
American Ornithologists' Union
Dates:
1883-1977
Languages:
English
Physical Description:
47.11 cu. ft. (93 document boxes) (1 12x17 box) (3 oversize folders)
Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives

Descriptive Entry

Descriptive Entry
These records document the history, operation, and activities of the AOU, 1883-1977. For many years the papers were scattered in the hands of various officers until 1969 when the Committee on Archives was established. In 1974 the collection was brought together at the Smithsonian Institution. Among the records include those of Hoyes Lloyd, longtime member and President of AOU from 1945-1948. Materials include correspondence, constitutions and by-laws, minutes, membership lists, nominations, fiscal records, contracts, manuscripts, reports, biographical and bibliographical materials, drawings, memorabilia, programs, abstracts, scrapbooks, and photographs.

Historical Note

Historical Note
The American Ornithologists' Union (AOU) was organized by three members of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, Joel Asaph Allen, William Brewster, and Elliott Coues, who wanted to establish an American society for ornithologists similar to the British Ornithologists' Union. They issued a call which was answered by twenty-three noted American ornithologists, later designated the founders, to meet on September 26, 1883, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Formal incorporation occurred in 1888 in the District of Columbia. The aim of the AOU is the advancement of ornithological science through annual meetings, membership, committees, and publications. There are several classes of membership: Patron; Benefactor; Member; Elective Member, bestowed upon those members who have made contributions to ornithology; and Fellow, the highest class, which is bestowed upon Elective Members who have made the most significant contributions. Publications of the Union include its quarterly magazine, The Auk; the Handbook of North American Birds; the Checklist of North American Birds; and Ornithological Monographs. The affairs of the AOU are administered under a constitution and by-laws by elected officers and a council.

Administration

Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives

Using the Collection

Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 7150, American Ornithologists' Union, Records

More Information

Notes

Non-SI Records


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Lloyd, Hoyes Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Allen, J. A. (Joel Asaph), 1838-1921 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Brewster, William, 1851-1919 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Coues, Elliott, 1842-1899 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Nuttall Ornithological Club Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
British Ornithologists' Union Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
American Museum of Natural History Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Auk (Serial) Title Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Ornithological monographs Title Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Handbook of North American birds (Monograph) Title Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Ornithology Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Ornithologists Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Professional associations Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Check-list of North American Birds (Monograph) Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Scientific illustrations Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Manuscripts Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Black-and-white photographs Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Scrapbooks Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

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