History
The AOU was founded in 1883. Three members of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, Elliott Coues, J. A. Allen, and William Brewster, sent letters to 48 prominent ornithologists inviting them "to attend a Convention of American Ornithologists, to be held in New York City, beginning on September 26, 1883, for the purpose of founding an American Ornithologists' Union, upon a basis similar to that of the "British Ornithologists' Union." The addressees were selected mainly because of their "scientific standing, but somewhat with regard to geographical representation, it being desirable to make the gathering as catholic and non-sectional as possible." Twenty-five responded to the letter and 21 were actually present when the first meeting was called to order.
The founding convention was held in the library of the American Museum of Natural History on September 26, 1883. Founding members of the AOU include those present at the inaugural convention, listed below. In addition, the members of the newly created AOU unanimously enrolled two others as founding members: Professor S. Baird, who was unable to attend due to his duties at the Smithsonian, and J. A. Allen, who could not attend due to physical disability.
- From Iowa: Hon. Chas. Aldrich.
- From New York: H. B. Bailey, E. P. Bicknell, D. G. Elliott, Dr. A. K. Fisher, Dr. J. B. Holder, Dr. E. A. Mearns, and Dr. C. H. Merriam.
- From Massachusetts: C. F. Batchelder, W. Brewster, C. B. Cory, and H. A. Purdie,
- From Oregon: Capt. C. E. Bendire, U. S. A.
- From Maine: N. C. Brown.
- From New Brunswick: M. Chamberlain.
- From the District of Columbia: Dr. E. Coues, Dr. D. W. Prentiss, and R. Ridgway.
- From Louisiana: Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, U. S. A.
- From Canada: T. McIlwraith.
- From Ohio: Dr. J. M. Wheaton.
Read more about this topic: American Ornithologists' Union
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