미지센터의 청소년 국제교류이야기

Joseon Intellectual’s Reading Walk

The exhibition's poster

What would have been the reading attitudes of our Joseon ancestors? Could it have been similar to our reading behaviors of today? 

To provide an answer for the questions above, The National Library of Korea planned an exhibition of rare old books from April 2 to June 29. The ‘Joseon Intellectual’s Reading Walk’ exhibition was held in the Classic Operation Room, commemorating the 2012 ‘National Year of Reading’.

The exhibition had the purpose of showing various methods of reading and providing a way of comparing the reading culture of the past and the present. The exhibition was also meaningful as it allowed people of today to realize the decreasing levels of reading and the importance of rare old books.

In The National Library of Korea, there were more than 20 rare old books displayed in the Classic Operation Room. As there were a large number of people in the library, many people visited the exhibition to look at the old books. Not only adults and seniors but a number of teenagers came along to read about the lives of our ancestors. From reference books to books of cultivation, there were many materials that people rarely had seen.

The Classic Operation Room

Fortunately, I had the chance to meet Ahn Hye Kyong, the planner of the ‘Joseon Intellectual’s

Reading Walk’ exhibition and the person in charge for the display, to interview her about some more information. She is currently the Rare Book Specialist of Korea Research Institute for Library and Information (KRILI).

The following are some famous displayed books of the past which are well-known to the people of Korea.

1.’The Secret of Enjoying Ignorance’ 격몽요결[擊蒙要訣] –Yool-Gok Yi-yi

This is a book published by a famous scholar, Yool-Gok Yi-yi, for those who were starting to learn literature. Consisted of 10 different parts, this book introduces correct methods of reading and moral principles that people should practice. This book was read by many Confucians and kings of Korea. A famous phrase of this book is ‘For telling the difference between the right and the wrong, there is nothing better than reading because all of our ancestor’s traces within books teach what to follow and what to look out for.’

2. ‘Book on Self Culture’ 사소절[士小節] – Lee Duk Moo

This is an autobiography of a realism scholar, Lee Duk Moo, to inform people of manners between scholars and family members. As a book of etiquette, it helps to cultivate minds and have a moral character. At that time, this was acknowledged as very useful and efficient. Lee Duk Moo explains the manners by saying, ‘Do not put saliva on your fingertips to turn over the pages, do not underline with your nails and do not fold the pages. Also, do not open the book when you are cleaning and do not turn over the pages with a hand you had scratched your head with.’

3. ’Method of Reading’ 독서요결[讀書要訣]

This book has recorded the methods of reading and the reading attitudes of people in the past. Also, it explains the correct order of learning from a book and the right mental attitude that a person should have before reading a book. To make it easier to understand, there are many diagrams along with the information. The author and the publisher of this old book are not known.

As I looked through all of the exhibited books, I learned that it is really important to read frequently and make sure that you get a full understanding of the book’s message. Scholars of the past had a great reading attitude and that helped them to acquire a huge amount of useful information through reading. I wish many teenagers could realize the importance of having the correct reading attitude through the exhibitions provided by The National Library of Korea.

For those who have interest in the ‘Joseon Intellectual’s Reading Walk’ exhibition, they can find more information on the National Library of Korea’s homepage; http://www.nl.go.kr. Other exhibitions with similar themes will be displayed throughout the year and the ‘Joseon Intellectual’s Reading Walk’ exhibition will be displayed again at the same place next year. To visit the National Library of Korea, please refer to the map below. More information about location can be found on the library’s homepage.

The overall implementation of the five-day study week, what programs are there to enjoy?

From the first semester of this year, the five-day study week has gone into effect. The five-day study week is a system which requires students to attend classes only in the weekdays, not the weekend. To support this system, Seoul city is currently advertising and opening some great activities for young students. Seoul City is going provide 1,171 elementary, secondary and high schools with an expense of 142 million won(statistics: www.youthnavi.net) to create suitable programs for students to enjoy during their free time in the weekends. Newly created activities are categorized into two parts. One is supported and organized by local schools and the other is arranged by special organizations. The former is consisted of activities which can be performed inside classrooms. Schools usually divide these programs into academic clubs (토요학습클럽), cultural art clubs(토요문화예술클럽) and sports clubs(토요스포츠클럽). The latter arranges most of the activity programs, like meeting with artists, trip to museums, looking into universities and visiting archaeological sites. Most of the students who participate in these programs are elementary students because older students choose to focus on their academic studies and voluntary activities rather than on the provided weekend programs. To find out more about the new system, I personally participated in some weekend activities with students.

In school

                       Schools within the Seoul district are currently opening some weekend activities. For students who do not go to school during the weekends due to the five-day study week system, these activities will not only look after children with busy parents but they will also be a great opportunity for inventing students’ skills and creativeness. Students are informed about these programs through school newsletters and they can easily participate by signing up for the activities.

Activity Programs Outside

             From 10 May 2012 to 16 February 2013, the Seoul City has announced that it will be starting a weekend activity program named “Weekend Happy Tour(주말행복투어)”. Each weekend program is established every weekend by 4 different districts of Seoul. A wide variety of activity programs like experiencing farm productions and making cultural art materials are being organized by civil groups and social enterprises which are selected through contests. The first district is supported by ‘Seoul City Mullae Youth Center(서울시립문래청소년수련관)’ (02-2167-0131), the second district by ‘Kwangwoon University’(광운대학교) (02-6715-6650), the third district by ‘Gangnam Seocho Korean Federation for Environmental Movement(강남서초환경운동현합)’ (02-574-7047) and the fourth district is being assisted by ‘Future we make(우리가만드는미래)’ (02-761-2588). Any student who wants to participate can sign up by calling the organizations or by visiting their websites. These groups offer an advantageous prescription for children who are teaching underprivileged and free lunch for participating students.  

On the 17^th of March, a historical culture program was held in the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site. Elementary students of Geumcheon-gu and Gwanak-gu were divided into groups of 12 and an instructor from the hosting companies was arranged with each group. The instructor explained the historic sites and educated young students about the long history of Korea. An interview with an instructor from the industry ‘Travel story(여행이야기)’ was helpful to understand her views about the weekends programs.

Q. Could you briefly explain the historical culture program?

“Well, you could just think of it as an activity program or a method of private education. It is a spot-experience activity but focuses on history trips. On the weekends, I meet with a group of children

regularly and take them around the historic sites. But since today’s theme is ‘The prehistoric times’, this is the first time I’m meeting with this group of students. On the weekdays, adults and older teenagers usually participate in history trips.”

Q. What is the purpose of activity programs?

“As you know, the textbooks that young students use nowadays care difficult to understand without a spot-experience to places like the historical sites. Rather than just memorizing all the complex information in the textbooks, activity programs can be a more enjoyable way to learn. Many mothers are currently choosing this method to educate their children effectively.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How about overseas?

 

Photo Credit: Right-Kate MacDonald and Left-Edward Quensell

 

Foreign countries had taken in the five-day study week system from long ago. Although it is different between regions, foreign countries tend to focus their main weekend activity on sports. One country in particular, New Zealand I had lived, has great weekend sports clubs. Even though New Zealand students get more time during the week to enjoy sports than Korean students, they still participate in many sports clubs during the weekends to relieve their stresses or just to enjoy sports. Unlike Korea, New Zealand’s student sports clubs are small in size and are relatively very cheap or free. One sports club has students from different schools and it participates in various competitions with other clubs. A professional individual or an experienced parent usually performs as an instructor for these sports clubs. One interesting feature about New Zealand’s sports is that people play different sports according to the season. Due to this, Soccer, Netball and Basketball clubs are very popular during winter and Swimming, Cricket and Tennis clubs are favored during summer.

          

Weekend programs are currently being well constructed to achieve its goals of deriving creativity, skills and potentials of students. Such fun activities will allow students to have many experiences and spend their times effectively.

 

Weekend activity programs guide sites

National Parent Service Center(전국학부모지원센터)                  www.parents.go.kr                     

Youth Navi(유스 내비)                                                          www.youthnavi.net

Saturday School(토요배움터)                                                http://5days.go.kr

Original Character Education Net(창의인성교육넷)                   www.crezone.net

Sharing Portal(나눔포털)                                                      www.nanumkorea.go.kr

1365 Voluntary Work Portal(1365 자원봉사포털)                     www.1365.go.kr       

Youth Voluntary Work Activity Center(청소년자원봉사활동센터) dovol.youth.go.kr

The Korea Foundation portraits Spain by exhibition and lectures

“Photo by Photo. A Portait of Spain” was organized under the sponsorship of Acción cultural Española (AC/E) and supported by the Embassy of Spain in Seoul and the Korea Foundation. The exhibition visits Korea on the occasion of Spain's participation at the the International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012 and it plays a vital role in introducing Spanish culture to Koreans as well as visitors from all over the world. This exhibition held by the work of fifteen photographers who developed their work based on personal viewpoints and represents their own approaches in both content and in their aesthetic way of dealing with images of Spain. The exhibition expressively illustrated the history of Spain from 1950 until recently including the affliction through the trials after war, economic development in the history of the eddy, and preserving people and the urban landscape of the time.

Luis Arias Romero, an ambassador of Spain in Seoul, stated that “The selection of sixty photographs makes up a narrative that ranges from panoramic aerial views of our cities to the most intimate details of the everyday lives of individual Spanish people. Reflected here are public and private works, the vibrancy of tourism, the arrival of waves of immigrants, our country’s historical and cultural heritage, and the new fashions and attitudes of the younger generations in contemporary Spain. The art and skill of our most renowned photographers give us the opportunity to enjoy these images of modernity, tradition, and change.”

According to congratulatory message from Byung-kook Kim, president of The Korea Foundation, “In today’s world, Korea is expanding its efforts to raise the global profile of the nation and to communicate with the world through cultural diplomacy. Culture is really a shortcut to mutual understanding, and the cornerstone for strengthening exchanges and cooperation. As a result of these cultural exchanges, our nations are being linked through Spanish Literature, and attracted by the artistic skills and virtuosity of Spanish music, art film and dance.”

Besides the exhibition, The Korea Foundation prepared useful lectures regarding Spanish culture in order to help interpretation of its culture and the display itself. The lectures are divided into three sections, firstly, Santiago, pilgrims’ way, secondly, passionate flamenco, Lastly, Spanish regional traditional festival by Elia Rodrigez. Although there were two important lectures that deliver Spanish culture and its importance, the last lecture was the one which can show the Spanish culture and sprit the most. Here are some famous and important festivals which can represent Spainish culture.

1. Las Fallas (fireworks march 12^th~ 19^th)

Throughout Valencia region, Las Fallas is held for a week, from March 12^th to 19^th (the day of San Jose). It boasts a long history from the medieval era. The origin of the festival comes from carpenters who celebrated the end of the winter by burning trees and bushes. Later, it changed into burning dolls, representing the region and the unusable old furniture.

2. La Feria de Abril (Festival of April)

In short words, this festival is for participants to have a great time in small artificial island.

3. Los Sanfermines (July 6^th ~ July 14^th)

The most favorite factor in San Fermin is Encierro (cattle driving). During the festival, every morning at 8:00 am, people repeat Encierro. Unlike the traditional method of cattle driving, which solely leads bulls, in Encierro a lot of people herd cattle together by running. However, as this Encierro is dangerous, people get easily hurt and can even, lead to death. Encierro is also known as the "Running of the Bulls" in Western countries.

4. La Tomatina (Tomato festival – the end of August)

La Tomatina is held on every August, in Buñol Valencia. In 1945, there was a parade, and some kids jumped to the procession and people got mad. There was a grocery store, and people started to throw tomatoes to each other. Although that particular fight was over, people gathered up next year and started the festival from that day on. This festival got famous after appeared in TV in 1983. Each year the festival gets bigger and bigger.

After the helpful lecture was over, I interviewed the lecturer, Elia Rodregez, who currently majoring in Korean culture.

The Korean Foundation is still making progress on delivering helpful exhibition and lectures regarding different countries and regions. For more information about these events, please visit www.kf.or.kr

Japanese Military Sexual Slaves

On January, it was the 1000^th Wednesday gathering of the Japanese military sexual slave problem. The news had provoked my attention to the matter and I began to research more about the rising issue of Japanese comfort women. For this reason, I visited the ‘House of Sharing’ to find out more about the problem. After the visit to the “House of Sharing”, the experience and some research helped me to learn a lot about the problem of Japanese Military Sexual Slaves.

Who are the Japanese Military Sexual Slaves?

 On August 1944, the essential work order for comfort women was announced in Korea and this allowed the

Japanese military to force sexual work to Korean women. Although legally-coercive conscriptions were not brought into action, the Japanese military began to forcibly employ women. From December 1941, Japanese rebel forces began to hit their stride in female-chasing. This happened in ways like kid-napping, using violence, etc. Poor women aged between 10 and 20 were lured by the promise of successful labor options. Although it is not easy to calculate the exact number of women kidnapped, it is assumed that the whole population would be roughly 50,000~200,000, more than 80% of them Korean (Statistics from the Korea Council for Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, 한국정신대문제대책협의회). Unfortunately, this event did not only occur to young Asian women. For instance, Dutch women living in the Java Islands were also victims of this crime.

Information about the victims of the Japanese military comfort women problem

Once captured, these young women were sent to China, Japan, South-east Asia and many different locations that were conquered by the Japanese. Once settled into the comfort stations, women suffered from a lethal sexual-slave life, hard for any human to endure. Each woman was obligated to receive 35~70 men a day. In the daytime, they served soldiers and petty officers and at night, they were constrained to serve commissioned officers. The brothels, where many of these women lived, were not even provided with acceptable sanitation facilities. Being open to these terrible environments, many women suffered from painful diseases. Three times of venereal disease examinations were held each month for every female and private actions like going out were strictly restricted.

What is the “House of Sharing”?

Currently, the surviving Korean victims of this event are habiting in the “House of Sharing”, a facility located in Gwangju City on the outskirts of Seoul. It was built with the funds from private Korean nationals and a Buddhist organization. Inside the building, there is an extended history hall that includes great artworks by the survivors, artifacts, photographs. Opened in 1998, the hall also includes a re-creation of a room in a comfort station. Through the history hall showcase, they inform the world of the Japanese military’s ‘sexual slave’ brutality. All those showcases remain as the key evidence of the Japanese government’s responsibility for the servant women issues. During the time when I was at the “House of Sharing”, I met the Secretary-General Kim Jung Sook of International Peace & Human Rights Center and gained the opportunity to hear her opinions through e-mail.

1. Could you introduce the ‘House of Sharing’ for students who are not familiar with it?

The “House of Sharing” is a home built for the victims of the Japanese military comfort women problem during the early 1990s. This place was constructed with the contribution from many Korean citizens, also those who supported the Buddhism. On October 1995, the “House of sharing” first opened in Mapo, Seoul and after many moves, it settled in its current place on December 1995. Currently, 8 old women who were sufferers of the Japanese military comfort women issue dwell together in the “House of sharing”. These women have Korean language classes, drawing classes and they hold exhibitions both nationally and internationally to inform the public of the truth of Japanese military’s brutality. Also, they are participating every Wednesday in the “Wednesday protest” in front of the Japanese Embassy for the Japanese government to state the reality of the Japanese military comfort women issue and to request a formal apology.

2.  How would you like to promote the Japanese military comfort women issue?

For to publicize the Japanese military comfort women problem, the “House of Sharing” had opened a History Hall from 1998 and taught some history that could not be obtained in schools. A lot of information about this problem is being sent to others through homepages and social networks like Twitter and Facebook. Also, the “House of Sharing” is organizing volunteer groups from many schools and preparing a program where students can visit the History Hall once in every year. By offering students these opportunities, they are provided with a motivation to share this problem with many of their friends and bring others to participate as well. In addition, the “House of Sharing” is alarming the seriousness of this problem to many individuals around the world through its 2 day and 1 night human rights camp.

3. What do you expect from students, regarding the problem of Japanese military comfort women?

The Japanese military comfort women issue is a historical problem which has not yet been fixed. It has not ended just by being hauled and continually violated by the Japanese soldiers. Many victims of this crime are suffering from troubles, which they received as an aftermath of the crime, for the rest of their lives. The victims have always mentioned to students that a soldier should make an effort to protect a country, politicians should assure a comfortable living for all of its citizens, and students should keep a good relationship with their parents and study hard. The old women victims also emphasized that every person should try to make a good effort within their fields to make their country stronger and make sure that no more victims like themselves come out.

A doorplate of the “House of Sharing”

The History Hall of the "House of Sharing"

It is important for students to take part in solving the Japanese military comfort women problem, but students should firstly take in mind the victims’ hope, “People should accept the tragic events we had to endure as a history for everyone to know”.

Running 42.195Km through the Seoul City

Seoul International Marathon held with 1,000 of international participants while broadcasted in 77 different countries

         
           Runners will have to concentrate on the road itself during a marathon. However the viewers of the marathon can enjoy the view of the road that the runners are running down. On March 18^th the 83^rd DongA Marathon Contest (Seoul International Marathon) will be broadcasted in 77 different countries over the world. Besides the significance of this contest being held in Korea, there is another important meaning of this contest. As the runners run the course, they run through the Seoul City from GwangHwaMun Plaza to Jamsil Main Stadium.

         This contest has been held since 1931 not simply as a marathon but also to show the beauty of Seoul City during the run. In the terms of globalization, Seoul International Marathon viewpoints on showing the beauty of Korea’s capital and also brings many countries into one place at one time. An interview with JongHyun Eun from the Seoul International Marathon executive office talks about the specialization of this contest in the global century.

             If over 18 years old and able to finish the course in 5 hours anyone can participate in this contest. The recruit for runners to participate in this contest is usually held in December. There is a fee of 40, 000 won and the money collected from this contest goes to Ethiopia Dijeluna Tijo Area to support young marathon runners, their families and societies. Seoul International Marathon shows Seoul’s beauty, Korea’s interest in marathon and also contributes gathering of many countries into one.

Yae-ha Hyun

A Korean, young lady who overcame the difficulties of the daring challenges-studying abroad and immigration.                 

As I had spent my childhood years in New Zealand, settling in a foreign country was not a easy task. There were not much Korean people dwelling in the country at that time and the new environment was very strange to fit into. Many korean students, as well as other asian students, failed to mix in with the "Kiwi culture" (New Zealand culture). However, there was one lady who was recognized among the Korean residents of New Zealand. Her name was Yae-ha Hyun, who flew to New Zealand at the age of 13. Although New Zealand was a remote country to many people around the globe, Miss Hyun settled in well and achieved great results in her academic studies abroad. To hear of her achievements and experiences, I got the chance to reach Miss Hyun through e-mail.

Realizing the true virtue of life overseas

It is your second year as a senior lecturer in graduate school. What is it like lecturing in front of students around your age?

The students seem just like my friends as it has only been a year since I graduated from college. When my professor offered me the assistant professor job, I actually took the chance to earn my living expenses. However, I realized that this job was really worthwhile when I helped students who were passionate about learning. Although I am not a professional lecturer, I was able to understand the parts that students had difficulty with and help them with those matters since it hasn’t been long from my graduation. In fact, I sometimes counsel students about general problems they face in their college years as well as the accounting subject that I teach.

As a person who has experienced the learning environments of two countries (Korea and New Zealand), tell us about the differences and similarities of the two.

What do you do when you want to take a break from studying/researching?

When I get tired, I go out from school and take a break from my routines. I usually walk along streets where it is less crowded and drop into a coffee shop. I really enjoy drinking coffee! I used to be famous among my friends for my affection to coffee. Although I cannot drink that much, a delicate café and a delicious cup of coffee makes me delighted. I also like visiting beaches to take a break. Apart from that, I enjoy many other leisure activities. Though I majored in accounting, I have been drawing since high school because I really take pleasure in drawing. Other than that, I play the piano and participate as a DJ for the radio. When I feel tired from the accounting studies and work, I relieve all my stresses by doing other activities I enjoy.

“Nothing really happened as I wished.”- The hard times

How did you feel when you immigrated overseas at an older age compared to other students?

I came to NZ when my middle school years were just about to end. At that time, I did not know what it was like to move to another country and was so depressed that I had to part with all my friends. But I thought that I would somehow get along with the new environment after some time. However, it was completely different. When I arrived in Auckland and lived in a new house in a new city and met new friends and teachers, it was not easy after all. Learning a new language and getting used to a new life was the most difficult job. Nothing really happened as I wished. As I had been accustomed to the Korean culture for a long time, it was hard to accept the new traditions of a western country, especially the “Kiwi culture”. Not only that, but it was difficult to make new friends who spoke a different language during my age of adolescence. Although Auckland seems like my home now, in the early days of my shift, I failed to get along with the new situation and it felt as if I were lost in the middle of a big ocean.

When was your most difficult situation? How did you overcome such difficulties?

After the hard times of my immigration, the most tiring moment was when I participated in the Honors course after my college graduation. Although there are some differences between departments, the Honors course is when students who have excellent university grades get selected to attend deepened lectures of graduate schools. Students participate in the lecture with scholars but unlike the 2 year master’s course, Honors is a special system that requires students to finish the same course within a year. As expected, it was not an easy job. A great participation was required as it had a small number of students. A lecture was 3 hours, and students had to perform a presentation for the whole lesson in some subjects. There was at least one presentation in a week and individuals had to prepare for their lessons in order to participate in the negotiations. There were no textbooks; students had to find their own way of researching renowned papers in the academic circles. By the fact that I am slow in reading and writing, I took a longer time than other students and there was simply no time to take a rest.

Looking ahead

What are the advantages of studying overseas?

The peculiar educational system of foreign countries can be a great advantage. Most importantly, the government and the school support their students to focus on the studies that they enjoy. The other merit is that studying overseas can widen the perspectives of individuals. When staying outside the Korean terrain, it is possible to have an objective view of the strengths and weaknesses of the Korean nation. Also, a person can develop one’s abilities to look at a situation in many aspects by associating with friends of different race and cultures. If an individual accepts others who eat discrete food, speak different languages and have differing thoughts, I believe that the person will be able to grow up as a mature figure.

What is your plan for the future?

This year, I would like to study for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to acquire a certification. I want to get a job in Korea, but I was told that I needed to have the AIPCA in order to be an accountant in Korea. Though New Zealand follows the same public account law as England, Korea conforms to the American account system so I believe I have to begin a different study. Along with the preparation, I am going to continue the coadjutor work in the University of Auckland while I am staying in NZ. I am planning to guide students with all my abilities. I will treat myself with rests in the leftover periods.

All that Glitters

The Harry Frank Guggenheim Hall of Gems and Minerals was the first exhibit to catch my eye, and not only because of its glittering exhibits. The museum is renowned for its rare collection of unusual minerals, ranging from dazzling gemstones to bizarre rock formations. Some of the gems, explained a guide, were so renowned throughout the world that many attempted theft to gain the gems. 

The Star of India, the largest star sapphire in the world, was a favorite among the visitors for its beauty. 12 of 20 people I have interviewed stated that the Star of India was their favorite gem. The Midnight Star Ruby, the Patricia Emerald, and the de Long Ruby were also favorites among visitors. “I love the star shape of the Star of India and the Midnight Star ruby,” said a visitor. “The smooth surface and the unusual pattern make it priceless,” said another dazzled onlooker.

The rare gemstones were not the only displays that caught the attention of onlookers. Sulfur crystals, microcline formations, a quartz-amethyst geode, and many other rock formations procured looks from onlookers. “The microcline rock formation looks more like rubber or plastic,” commented an onlooker. “I like the rock-within-rock look,” said a visitor who was observing a geode. The various mineral formations, with beautiful and bizarre looks, were well received by the visitors. 

Nothing but Bones

              When I interviewed 30 visitors on their favorite exhibitions, 20 of them stated that they have enjoyed the exhibitions that displayed skeletons and fossils the most. Exhibition halls, such as sections of the Primate Hall and all of the Fossil Halls, displayed a diverse amount of skeletons. From dinosaurs to avians, the size and age of skeletons of animals were diverse and numerous.

         I found that the larger the skeleton was, the more popular it was among visitors. Out of 10 people who visited the exhibits with the skeletons and fossils, 8 of them preferred the larger fossils, such as large mammals or dinosaurs. “I love the mammoth,” exclaimed a visitor, “because I’ve never seen such a large land animal like that in my life.” It’s awe-inspiring,” added another visitor, “because the dinosaurs’ size makes me feel insignificant in contrast.” Similarly, the other interviewees stated that the sheer size of the creatures made the fossils their favorites.

        Despite the favorability of larger animals, the skeletons of tiny animals also impressed crowds. The visitors admired the delicate yet fine bones of small animals. “It’s amazing how they got around and lived with such small bones and bodies,” commented a visitor. “I think they’re cuter than the larger skeletons,” piped a girl who was with her parents. 

Recreate Nature 

           Not only does the AMNH display real gems and fossils, but it also displays the creations of its naturalists, taxidermists, photographers, and artists. The dioramas, although not as popular as the rocks and the skeletons, drew a large crowd of awed visitors. The fact that the museum produced such fine creations within the museum itself, as with its display of master craftsmanship and the diversity of its subjects, was what drew the crowd. 

         “The ranges of the dioramas are amazing,” said a visitor. “From humans to trees, I was able to see a variety of figures I would never be able to see in real life.” “The models are really accurate and well made.” “I wonder how the museum was able to make such figures.” These were some of many comments and praises given to the models. Many of the interviewees thought that the real life scale of the blue whale was the best, followed by the gorilla in the jungle and primitive humans in Africa. 


To History
     
         The AMNH truly frames the bulk of natural history for the denizens of New York, as well as those who come from distant cities and countries. Its collections are so vast only a small fraction of it can be shown at a time, therefore enabling future visits to pertain new artifacts and fossils. It is no wonder that it was voted 7^th in the “Most visited museums in the World” by the magazine Travel + Leisure. Many will leave with natural wonders in their memories, not knowing that they have scratched only the surface of AMNH’s treasures.