Frank Michler Chapman Papers, 1931 - 1944

Frank Michler Chapman (1864-1945) was an ornithologist of international stature and a major contributor to the development of the discipline of ornithology in the United States. He joined the American Museum of Natural History in 1888 as an assistant to the head of the department of mammology and ornithology and continued his association with the museum for the remainder of his life. In 1901 he became Associate Curator of Ornithology, in 1908 Curator of Ornithology, and 1920 the first Chairman of the newly created Department of Birds. Chapman was an energetic and innovative researcher, doing pioneer work on Neotropical biogeography. His concern with and sensitivity to the living environment of birds and other animals led to his development of the “habitat group” as a means of display in the Museum, a feature now widely imitated by museums through the world. A leading conservationist, Chapman was a skilled and prolific author and did much to popularize bird study and a concern for conservation in the United States.