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A failed initiative at the American museum of natural history, 1909-1922

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  • Brown, J.K.

Abstract

In 1909, curator Charles-Edward Winslow established a department of public health in New York City's American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). Winslow introduced public health as a biological science that connected human health-the modern sciences of physiology, hygiene, and urban sanitation-to the natural history of plants and animals. This was the only time an American museum created a curatorial department devoted to public health. The AMNH's Department of Public Health comprised a unique collection of live bacterial cultures-a "Living Museum"-and an innovative plan for 15 exhibits on various aspects of health. I show how Winslow, facing opposition from AMNH colleagues, gathered scientific experts and financial support, and explain the factors that made these developments seem desirable and possible. I finish with a discussion of how the Department of Public Health met an abrupt and "inglorious end" in 1922 despite the success of its collections and exhibitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Brown, J.K., 2014. "A failed initiative at the American museum of natural history, 1909-1922," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(10), pages 1877-1888.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301384_1
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301384
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