The Museum Of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) at Harvard University experienced a significant period of growth in its Ornithology Collection following the departure of Joel Asaph Allen and extending into the 1930s. Under the stewardship of Curators William Brewster and Outram Bangs, this era marked the most substantial expansion of the collection, reaching an impressive 250,000 specimens by its end, including 1,316 type specimens.
This remarkable growth was largely fueled by the generous bequests of several prominent private collections to the Museum of Comparative Zoology. Notably, these included the extensive collections of William Brewster himself (comprising 40,000 specimens), Outram Bangs (24,000 specimens), and John Thayer (28,000 specimens). Brewster and Bangs were not only significant benefactors but also deeply involved curators, dedicating nearly four decades to overseeing the collection’s well-being and numerous improvements. Their combined expertise and dedication were instrumental in shaping the Ornithology Department at the Museum of Comparative Zoology into a world-class resource.
Further enriching the collection at the Museum of Comparative Zoology was a substantial donation from the Boston Society of Natural History. This donation included the esteemed 19th-century Lafresnaye Collection, which alone contributed nearly 9,000 specimens and over 300 type specimens. Additionally, the remnants of Charles Willson Peale’s collection were incorporated, bringing with them invaluable historical specimens. Among these treasures were specimens utilized by Alexander Wilson for his seminal publication, American Ornithology (published between 1808 and 1814), and specimens gathered during the historic US Exploring Expedition.
The Museum of Comparative Zoology also benefited from donations from some of the most respected American ornithologists of the time. These included Thomas Penard’s neotropical collection of over 2,000 specimens, Frederic Kennard’s comprehensive North American collection numbering over 5,000 specimens, C. F. Batchelder’s collection of 7,500 specimens, and Arthur C. Bent’s collection of approximately 12,000 scientific specimens, representing almost every North American taxon.
The geographical scope of the Ornithology Collection at the Museum of Comparative Zoology was also broadened significantly during this period. The museum acquired the LaTouche collection, featuring over 8,000 birds from eastern China, and J. L. Rock’s collection of over 1,000 birds from western China. Collections from Africa, amassed by Selah Merrill, J. C. Phillips, and Arthur Loveridge, were also added. Further expanding its global reach, the museum received collections from the Philippines by W. C. Forbes and Indonesia by O. Bryant. These acquisitions underscored the Museum of Comparative Zoology’s commitment to building a truly global and comprehensive ornithological resource, solidifying its position as a leading institution for comparative zoology and ornithological research.
