Welcome to Fun Finds Friday! An ongoing series where we share some of the fun and unique items we come across in the library and archives collections.
What is the hottest gift of the year? A membership to the American Museum of Natural History of course! Here is a small selection of gift membership materials from 1923-1946.
From Central Archives, 1923 Canadian National Telegraphs telegram with seasonal logo.
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH
A seasonal telegram sent to the museum requesting non-resident membership for Mr. Frank W. Bedford of Ottawa from Mr. Joseph H. Sinclair of 51 E. 42nd Street, New York, December 1923.
Below, from 1940, an offer to simplify your holiday shopping and provide year-round enjoyment and an escape from a “war mad planet.”
From Central Archives, 1940 membership letter.
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH
From Central Archives, 1940s order form for Gift Membership or Gift Subscription to Junior Natural History Magazine.
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH
And what about the lovely cards that will be mailed to the recipient with their membership?
From Central Archives, 1943-1944 member's greeting card featuring polar bear artwork.
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH
From Central Archives, 1945-1946 membership renewal greeting card featuring bird and wreath artwork.
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH
L. VanDenBerg/© AMNH
This entry was written by Lauren VanDenBerg, Shelby White & Leon Levy Project Archivist.