AMERICAN MUSEUMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 44, 21 February 1940, Page 13

AMERICAN MUSEUMS.

BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY. MUSEUM ETHNOLOGIST'S TALKS. aa address on "American Museums aad the Community" waa given by Mr. yPT. fisher, ethnologist at the Aucklahd War Memorial Museum ,at the weekly luncheon of the Rotary Club. Mr. Fisher returned recently after a year in the United States under a The eombig of greater leisure in these modern times throws oat a challenge to cultural institution* in providing something better in the way of amusement for the people," said Mr. Fisher, "and that challenge has been accepted in America in no uncertain manner." He said that in the matter of display much attention had been given to the principle of movement. As many trtrbits ae> possible were made to work, herhapa by the pressing of a button. One of the moat striking feature*, he continued, were the facilities for children, and youth movements in particular made full use of them. ""Outdoor museums are provided in ftany places," aald Mr. Fisher. "At the Bear Mountain Estate in New York State about 5T acres has been set aside. Small buildings are scattered about, containing various- exhibits, and outside ere 'nature trails'—specially laid-out track* hearing a' series of labels. A great deal of thought hae been given to the labels, which are instructive, often asking provocative questions,. or containing some humorous comment. By this means people are becoming familiar with the natural history of their particular district*. As one student eaid, it was a question of relaxing and learning at the same time."

■ The following visitors were present: Messrs. S. Innees Jonee (Chrietehurch), E. Lippsett (Vancouver), J. I*. Prime (papier), E. E. Weston (Christchurch), KH. Nimmo (Wellington), Pilot-Officer ftterson (Dunedin), 6. J. Mheaf (Hamilton).