

At that time, a plethora of newspaper and magazine articles appeared expressing outrage at the wholesale slaughter of birds for commercial and decorative purposes. By the mid-1880s it became apparent to many that the natural stock of certain bird species, especially terns or sea swallows, was being depleted at an alarming rate by the millinery industry's demand for plumage for ladies' hats. The historical roots of NAS and that of the Audubon movement with which it became identified, go back to the last two decades of the 19th century. The present day National Audubon Society also maintains and operates some seventy-five wildlife sanctuaries, and numerous research and educational centers. From a relatively modest beginning as an organization of ornithologists concerned primarily with the protection of migratory birds along the Atlantic seaboard, the organization developed by mid-20th century into one of the largest and most influential members of the movement for environmental protection, with a membership of over 500,000 and with more than 500 chapters located throughout the United States and abroad. Its original corporate title, National Association of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals, was shortened in 1940 to National Audubon Society.

The National Audubon Society (NAS), an educational and scientific organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of wildlife, wildlife habitats, natural resources and the environment, was incorporated in New York in 1905. Chapman records of the Audubon Society of the State of New York and records of the National Audubon Society's predecessor organization, the National Committee of the Audubon Societies of America, founded in 1901. These concern William Dutcher and the Audubon movement in its early stages, including correspondence, field notes, diaries and reports records of the American Ornithologists' Union the papers of Frank M. Also present are collateral papers and records dating from 1883. Files include general and subject correspondence, minutes, reports, photographs, clippings, printed matter, posters, maps, land surveys, sound recordings of meeting minutes and miscellaneous ephemera. The records chronicle the transformation of the National Audubon Society from a relatively small association of ornithologists concerned primarily with the protection of migratory birds along the Atlantic seaboard, into one of the largest and most influential members of the movement for environmental conservation. Berle, and the work of its several departments and divisions. The bulk of the records of the National Audubon Society document the activities of the organization from its incorporation in 1905 through 1991, reflecting the stewardship of its successive presidents (and vice presidents) including William Dutcher, T. Restrictions apply Portions of this collection have been digitized and are available online. Repository Manuscripts and Archives Division Access to materials Request an in-person research appointment. National Audubon Society Records, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library. Creator National Audubon Society Call number MssCol 2099 Physical description 408.69 linear feet (996 boxes, 5 folders and 1 microfilm reel) Preferred Citation
