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Christian Science Monitor, May 14, 1932

SPECIALIZATION IN MUSEUM WORK WINS EMPHASIS

Division of Investigation Essential, Schmitt Tells Cambridge Session

Continued growth and production, with an ever-increasing specialization possible under present conditions, was the consensus of the symposium on "The Future of Museums" held at the Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge. Plans for the presentation of new viewpoints and for the coordination of museum work over the next five years were set forth in elaborate detail.

Dr. George H. Sherwood, director of the Buffalo Museum of Science, presided over this final general session of the American Association of Museums. The tone of the meeting was set by Dr. W. V. Coleman, director of the association, who reviewed the progress made by American museums during the past decade with particular emphasis on the need for specialization.

"With every possible economy we must be able to do the work as scheduled, and we must be prepared to take on new work as it comes," Dr. Coleman said. "This is the only way to meet the demands of an enlarged membership and greater strength in the field. We must be able to interpret these gains partly as returns for the money invested in the cause," Dr. Coleman said.

Museums in Parks

Other speakers at the meeting, Dr. Paul J. Sachse, associate director of the Brooklyn Museum, drew attention to the work of the American Association of Museums in the field of recreation. Mr. L. H. Weed, director of the American Recreation Association, commented on the new museums being built in parks, and Dr. G. Rumpus, chairman of the association's committee on the educational value of museums, spoke of the need for more museums in Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Crater Lake.

At the meeting of the natural science section last evening, at which the reports of the various committees were read, Mr. Waldo L. Schmitt of the United States National Museum, Washington, D.C., called attention to the need for more workers in the field of general biology. He said that the work of the association was being hampered by the lack of trained workers.

"There are just a mere handful of us who can identify the larger groups of plants and animals sent to us for identification," Mr. Schmitt said. "I want to emphasize that the need for more workers in this field is urgent. The life of our globe is still uncared for. Why duplicate the work of others? Let us get the facts and then we can carry on the work of interpretation. It is surprising how little is really known about the common things that are about us. We need to know much more about the plants and animals of the deserts of far off regions to work on the problems of our own country."

Work in Mesopotamia

At the afternoon session yesterday, Dr. H. V. Hilprecht, director of the Tell Halaf Museum, Berlin, Germany, told of his work in the desert of northern Mesopotamia. He is directing the excavation of the remains of the oldest capital of the proto-Hittite, or ancient Assyrian, empire. He told of a romantic story which covered a period of nearly 30 years, from the time he first became interested in the site. Dr. Hilprecht was a member of the German Legation at Cairo, Egypt, and was attached to the Egyptian Museum in Berlin in 1900.

Dr. Hilprecht has collected a museum with a huge hall for

The image is a newspaper clipping from the Christian Science Monitor dated May 14, 1932. The headline reads "Specialization in Museum Work Wins Emphasis."

The article discusses a symposium held at the Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, focusing on the division of investigation essentials in museum work. Key points from the article include:

1. Growth and Future Plans:

   • Continued growth and production of museum work are discussed.
   • Plans for the presentation of new visual materials over the next five years were detailed.

2. Speakers and Their Comments:

   • Essential Schmitt: President of the Buffalo Museum of Science, who emphasized the importance of specialization in museum work.
     • He stated, "With every possible economy we must have the best possible equipment for the new work as scheduled, and we must have a surplus for the future, an enlarged membership, and greater strength in the face of competition."
   • V. Coleman: Director of the American Association of Museums, who highlighted the gains museums have made in the past decade.
   • Paul J. Sachs: Associate director of the Carnegie Museum, who talked about new museums being built in various regions.
   • Waldo L. Schmitt: Director of the United States National Museum, who spoke about the challenges in identifying and collecting artifacts.
   • C. Rumpuas: Chairman of the Educational and Scientific Museum Association, who talked about museums in Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Crater Lake.
   • G. von Oppenheim: A speaker from Mosopotaima, who discussed the archaeological work in Mosopotaima, including the excavation of the remains of the oldest capital of the proto-Hittite, the site of the Tel Halaf Museum in Berlin.

3. Focus on Artifacts and Research:

   • The article underscores the importance of specialized research and the maintenance of existing collections.

4. Additional Details:

   • The article mentions a variety of museum activities and the need to maintain and expand the collections to cater to increased public interest and educational value.

The article reflects a 1930s-era perspective on the importance and future direction of museum work, highlighting the need for specialization and continued growth.

The image is a newspaper clipping from the Christian Science Monitor dated May 14, 1932. The headline reads "SPECIALIZATION IN MUSEUM WORK WINS EMPHASIS," and the article discusses a session at the Cambridge meeting of the Division of Investigation of the American Association of Museums.

Key points from the article include:

1. Growth and Production: There is a consensus on the need for continued growth and production of museums, though the current economic situation makes it challenging. Plans for the next five years were discussed in detail.

2. Economic Challenges: With an economic downturn, museums are focusing on efficient use of resources, including the scheduling of new work and maintaining current operations with limited surplus.

3. Strengthening Membership: There is a call for an enlarged membership and greater strength in the museum community.

4. Museums in Parks: Dr. Paul J. Sachs, associate director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, emphasized the importance of building museums in parks for educational purposes.

5. Schmitt's Presentation: Mr. Waldo L. Schmitt, director of the United States National Museum, spoke about the need to continue detailed general investigations, such as those in natural sciences. He highlighted the importance of understanding the basic principles of life and the necessity of identifying plant and animal species for future reference.

6. Work in Mesopotamia: Dr. Ernst Herzfeld, director of the Tell Halaf Museum in Berlin, described his work in the desert regions of Mesopotamia, specifically in the ruins of the ancient city of Assur. He discussed the importance of studying ancient sites and artifacts to understand past civilizations.

7. Baron von Oppenheim: The Baron, known for his work in Egypt and the Middle East, has been collecting artifacts for nearly 30 years, including the remains of the ancient capital of the proto-Hittites and other ancient civilizations.

The article emphasizes the importance of specialization in museum work, detailed investigations, and the preservation of cultural heritage through various methods and locations.

The image is a newspaper clipping from the Christian Science Monitor, dated May 14, 1932. The headline reads "SPECIALIZATION IN MUSEUM WORK WINS EMPHASIS" and the article discusses a Cambridge session on the division of investigation in museum work.

Key points from the article include:

1. General Consensus and Plans:

   • The consensus at the meeting was that continued growth and production in museums are possible under current conditions.
   • Plans for the presentation of new visual material over the next five years were discussed in detail.

2. Speakers and Their Roles:

   • Mr. Paul J. Sachs, associate director of the Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, presided over the session.
   • Mr. Coleman, director of the American Association of Museums, emphasized specialization in museum work.

3. Mr. Coleman's Speech:

   • Mr. Coleman highlighted the importance of specialization in museum work, noting that it has been emphasized particularly in American museums over the past decade.
   • He suggested that specialization would lead to more efficient and effective museum operations, with greater strength and unity among museum staff.

4. Mr. Waldo L. Schmitt's Speech:

   • Mr. Schmitt, director of the United States National Museum, discussed the natural sciences section of the museum.
   • He emphasized the importance of specialization in museum work and the need to duplicate and identify specimens of plants and animals.
   • He noted that museums need to be more selective and not duplicate others' work.

5. Work in Mesopotamia:

   • The article mentions the work of Dr. Ernst Herzfeld in Mesopotamia, specifically the excavation and restoration of ancient sites.
   • Dr. Herzfeld's work is noted for uncovering significant historical artifacts and structures.

6. Baron von Oppenheim:

   • The Baron is mentioned for his work in collecting artifacts, particularly in Egypt, and for his efforts in establishing a museum in Berlin.

The article overall emphasizes the trend towards specialization in museum work to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the field.

The image is a page from the Christian Science Monitor newspaper dated May 14, 1932. The main headline of the article is "Specialization in Museum Work Wins Emphasis," and it features a report from the Division of Investigation and Research at the annual session of the Cambride session of the American Association of Museums.

Key points from the article include:

1. Growth and Expansion of Museums:

   • Continued growth and production are possible under present conditions, according to Mr. Coleman, director of the American Association of Museums.
   • The Fogg Art Museum in Cambridge is planning new viewpoints in its exhibits over the next five years.
   • The Buffalo Museum of Science plans to move to a new building, and the American Museum of Natural History is expanding.

2. Economic Considerations:

   • Despite economic challenges, new museum projects are moving forward. For instance, a new building for the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is scheduled to open, and other projects are underway in places like Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Urbana, Illinois.

3. Meetings and Discussions:

   • Several museum directors and representatives from various institutions presented updates and future plans.
   • Paul J. Sachs from Harvard discussed the importance of not letting economic conditions halt museum growth.
   • Dr. Hermon C. Bumpus mentioned that the national parks are being considered for establishing trailside museums.

4. Local Museum Efforts:

   • Mr. Schmidt from the Science Museum discussed the need to maintain a national reputation and the practical aspects of running a museum, such as the handling and display of specimens.

5. International Contributions:

   • Dr. Walter Andrae from the Tell Halaf Museum in Berlin discussed the excavation and restoration of ancient artifacts, including the discovery of a proto-Hittite palace and the transport of a colossal statue to Berlin.

The article highlights both the challenges and the progress within the museum community, emphasizing the importance of specialization and the continued development of museum work despite economic constraints.

The image shows a newspaper clipping from the "Christian Science Monitor," dated May 14, 1958. The headline reads "Specialization in Museum Work Wins Emphasis." The article discusses the 51st annual convention of the American Association of Museums, held in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The convention's theme was the importance of specialization in museum work, emphasizing that museums should focus on their unique strengths rather than trying to cover all areas of knowledge.

Key points from the article include:

1. Convention Overview: The convention was attended by museum directors and staff from various institutions across the United States and Canada.

2. Keynote Speaker: Dr. F. Allen, director of the Buffalo Museum of Science, highlighted the need for museums to specialize in specific areas to provide better service to the public.

3. Growth and Production: The article mentions the significant growth and production in museums, with many new institutions being established and existing ones expanding their collections and programs.

4. Specific Examples: The article cites examples such as the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, which specializes in the history of art, and the Buffalo Museum of Science, which focuses on natural sciences.

5. National Parks: The article also mentions the establishment of new national parks and the importance of preserving natural and historical sites.

6. International Collaboration: There is a mention of international cooperation in museum work, with references to collaborations with institutions in Europe and other parts of the world.

7. Work in Mesopotamia: The article highlights the work of Dr. Baron Max von Oppenheim, who discovered and excavated the ancient city of Tell Halaf in Mesopotamia, showcasing the importance of archaeological work in museums.

Overall, the article emphasizes the trend towards specialization in museum work to enhance the quality and impact of museum services.

This image shows a newspaper clipping from the "Christian Science Monitor," dated May 14, 1932. The headline reads, "SPECIALIZATION IN MUSEUM WORK WINS EMPHASIS." Below the headline, there is a subheading that states, "Division of Investigation Essential, Schmitt Tells Cambridge Session."

The clipping consists of several columns of text discussing topics related to museum work, the importance of specialization, and the division of investigation within museums. The text is too small to read in detail from the image, but the article appears to include mentions of various individuals and institutions involved in museum administration and strategies for museum growth and production.

The physical appearance of the newspaper clipping suggests that it is aged and has yellowed over time. It has been cut out in a long, vertical strip, and some words at the ends of the lines are cut off due to the narrow width of the scrap.

The image shows a newspaper clipping from the Christian Science Monitor, dated May 14, 1932. The headline reads, "Specialization in Museum Work Wins Emphasis," and the article discusses the importance of specialized investigation in museum work, as emphasized by Schmidt during a session in Cambridge. The article covers various aspects of museum specialization, mentioning plans for the future presentation of new works of art and additional scientific investigation. It references discussions at the 27th annual convention of the American Association of Museums, detailing contributions and insights from several notable individuals in the field. The clipping appears to have been carefully preserved and the text is clearly legible.

The image is a scanned page from the Christian Science Monitor dated May 14, 1932. It features an article titled "SPECIALIZATION IN MUSEUM WORK WINS EMPHASIS", which discusses the growing emphasis on specialization within museum work. The article highlights a symposium held at the Fogg Art Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where various speakers addressed the topic.

Key Points from the Article:

1. Symposium Overview:

   • The symposium focused on the importance of specialization in museum work.
   • It was held at the Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, and was part of the annual convention of the American Association of Museums.

2. Key Speakers and Their Contributions:

   • Mr. Oscar J. Hannis, president of the Buffalo Museum of Science, emphasized the need for specialization over the next five years.
   • Mr. V. Coleman, director of the Arizona State Museum, highlighted the benefits of specialization, including increased returns on investment and stronger partnerships.
   • Dr. Paul Vogt, associate director of the Fogg Art Museum, discussed the role of specialization in the National Park Service.
   • Dr. C. Bumpus, chairman of the National Parks Association, spoke about the need for specialized work in national parks.
   • Mr. Waldo L. Schmitt, from the United States National Museum, argued for the discontinuation of general museum work and the focus on specialized collections.

3. Schmitt's Argument:

   • Schmitt criticized the practice of collecting a wide variety of items (e.g., plants, animals, rocks) under a single museum umbrella.
   • He argued that such general collections are inefficient and that specialization allows for deeper expertise and better resource allocation.
   • He suggested that museums should focus on specific fields, such as geology, paleontology, or zoology, rather than attempting to cover all disciplines.

4. Additional Context:

   • The article also briefly mentions a lecture by Dr. Baron Max von Oppenheim at the Tel-Haffar Museum in Berlin, discussing his work in Upper Mesopotamia and the discovery of ancient artifacts.

Visual Characteristics:

• The page is formatted in a classic newspaper style, with a clear headline, subheadings, and columns of text.
• The text is printed in a serif font, typical of early 20th-century newspapers.
• The layout includes a small illustration or photograph at the top left corner, though the details of the image are not discernible from the text alone.

Summary:

The article underscores the growing recognition of specialization as a critical approach in museum work during the early 1930s. It highlights the perspectives of various museum professionals and emphasizes the need for focused, expert-driven collections rather than broad, general ones. The symposium at the Fogg Art Museum serves as a central event that brought these ideas to the forefront.

The image is a scanned page from an old newspaper, specifically the Christian Science Monitor, dated May 14, 1932. The article is titled "Specialization in Museum Work Wins Emphasis." The article discusses the importance of specialization in museum work, highlighting the presentation of various topics of art, natural science, and history over the past five years. It mentions the annual convention of the American Association of Museums, where V. Coleman, the director of the association, emphasized the need for specialization. The article also touches on the work of the Art Museums Association and the National Recreation Association, mentioning the construction of new museums and the educational significance of parks. Additionally, it includes a section on work in Mesemfenda, where Dr. Baron von Oppenheim is described as working on the remains of the proto-historic city of Tell Halaf, which dates back to nearly 20 years before the time of Christ.