Kirby, Hal 1974-06-25
Hal Kirby, director of the Dallas Natural History Museum, discusses its operation.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Hal Kirby
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: June 25, 1974
Location: Dallas, Texas
Interviewer: Harry Jebsen and Patricia Hogan
Length: 1 hour
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Mentions founder and director of first Texas Museum of Natural History,
Discusses needs of a building and financial support,
Interior of building described,
Became associated with museum (1936),
Talks about growth of the museum,
Still have two original exhibits,
Notes museum activities during centennial,
Describes how they obtain specimens,
Has 13 people on professional staff,
Tells how public has benefited from the museum,
Lists programs for children through adults,
Cites plans for future programs,
Discusses museum budget,
Lists museum expenses.
Tape 1, Side 2: Museum expenses (continued),
Discusses museum’s connection with the park board,
Sometimes have conflicts with religious people on dating items,
Cites example on evolution,
Lists other benefits of the museum,
Talks about changes in Fair Park since 1936,
Population around the fair grounds has changed,
Mentions Cotton Bowl as a problem,
Midway is a problem also,
State Fair has a negative effect on museum,
Recalls the beginning of the museum.
Range Dates: 1936-1974
Bulk Dates: 1936-1974
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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