Natural history correspondence

Margaret P. Griffin chronicles the evolution of Theodore Roosevelt as a naturalist in the years 1874 and 1875. She highlights the creation of a “Natural History Society” composed of Roosevelt and several of his friends who shared nature observations, read papers, and organized outings. Griffin focuses on Roosevelt’s avid interest in ornithology, and she provides excerpts from Roosevelt’s notebooks to demonstrate his detailed knowledge of different species. Griffin notes Roosevelt’s encounters with the now extinct passenger pigeon, and she details the death of Frederick Sturges Osborn, one of Roosevelt’s closest friends and fellow ornithologist. 

Seven photographs accompany the essay, including one of Roosevelt and another showing examples of his bird taxidermy. 

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

2014

President Roosevelt gives the naturalist John Burroughs some of his thoughts related to the “nature fakers” controversy. Roosevelt says that he believes that some animals do teach their young lessons, but he cautions against assigning human emotions to animals, and he warns Burroughs that writers such as William J. Long too often exaggerate what animal behaviors they have witnessed. 

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1905-05-29

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919