Rochester Academy of Science papers addition

Collection

Identifier: BF.R67 Addition

Staff Only

Biographical / Historical note

Officially formed in March of 1881, the Rochester Academy of Science began as a Microscopy club, with a few like-minded community members joining together to explore their interests in the microscopic world. Once the membership of the organization had reached 119, a new constitution and set of by-laws were accepted, changing the name to the Rochester Academy of Science and also allowing for the establishment of different “sections” or areas of discipline. Such sections include the Botany, Astronomy, Microscopy, Entomology, Fossil, and Ornithological, with different sections achieving prominence, combining, or disbanding as general interest waxed and waned over the course of the organization’s history. Indeed, the original microscopy section has disbanded and, while very popular and well-received for a number of years, the semi-autonomous Genesee Ornithological Society also disbanded in November of 2006 and was reduced to a small ornithological department within the Life Sciences section. Also of note is the joining of the botany and entomology sections to form the present-day Life Sciences section. Through these examples it is clear to see the nature of the organization, re-organizing itself based primarily upon member and officer interest and dedication.

The overall goal of the Academy is simply to foster an interest and provide an avenue for the everyday citizen to become involved and remain up-to-date with Scientific Research, particularly research which has a local impact or significance (such as a study of the flora and fauna of the Genesee River Valley Region). To accomplish these measures, the Academy holds lecture series and presentations in which researchers present their publications, such as their 1981 Centennial Celebration event. For the everyday member, the Academy also provides various resources such as an extensive herbarium containing well-preserved specimens of individual plant species found in the region in and around Rochester. Furthermore, the Academy can aid its members by placing them in contact with both paid researchers and each other such that they may further their own understanding of natural science, and enjoy a sense of community, as evidenced by various picnics and stargazing events that the Academy facilitates for its members.

Scope and Contents

The four boxes of this accession were received on March 24, 1984. The contents of the boxes are mostly financial in nature, though both correspondence and various meeting minutes also figure prominently. Of particular note are the records from the 1981 Centennial Celebration and the officer records of Evelyn Wishart (recording secretary 1979-1983) and Herman S. Forest (treasurer 1984-1986 and botany section chair 1986-1988). Box 1 contains general and Centennial Celebration records, Box 2 contains primarily contains financial records and the latter Centennial Celebration records are also included. Box 3 contains further financial records, and Box 4 contains correspondence and the previously noted officer records.

Creator

Rochester Academy of Science (Organization)

Dates

Creation: 1917-1988

Language of Materials

English

Extent

1.66 linear feet (4 manuscript boxes, 1 oversized folder)

Access

The Rochester Academy of Science Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books, Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

Reproductions are made upon request but can be subject to restrictions. Permission to publish materials from the collection must currently be requested. Please note that some materials may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information contact rarebks@library.rochester.edu

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Rochester Academy of Science Papers Addition, BF.R67 Addition, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester