In 1881, Smithsonian Secretary Spencer F. Baird proposed to Congress that they fund the construction of the first marine research vessel built specifically for the task. The U.S. Fish Commission Steamer Albatross was launched a year later. Twelve years later, the head curator of the U.S. National Museum's department of Fishes reports on Accession #27965 "one of the most important acquisitions within the history of the department." Help us transcribe this annual report and learn more about the collections that were gathered by this first of its kind vessel.
In 1881, Smithsonian Secretary Spencer F. Baird proposed to Congress that they fund the construction of the first marine research vessel built specifically for the task. The U.S. Fish Commission Steamer Albatross was launched a year later. Twelve years later, the head curator of the U.S. National Museum's department of Fishes reports on Accession #27965 "one of the most important acquisitions within the history of the department." Help us transcribe this annual report and learn more about the collections that were gathered by this first of its kind vessel.
For more information about these curators’ annual reports, head to the Record Unit 158 finding aid.