USNM CURATORS ANNUAL REPORTS - Department of Ethnology, Monthly Reports, 1881

The United States National Museum building officially opened to the public in October of 1881. What was it like in the months before, with various departments preparing the new exhibits for display? Get a glimpse into the preparation behind a museum opening, 135 years ago, with this set of curator's reports from the Smithsonian's Department of Ethnology. Coyly referred to as the "events transpiring outside which need not be specified," the soon-to-be-open U.S. National Museum building featured an ethnology exhibit, among others on geology, zoology, architecture, and history. Get a look into the early development of the Smithsonian and help transcribe this fascinating report!