A small group of enthusiastic and zealous students of Natural History at Rutgers College on June 31, 1857 met with the express idea of forming a permanent organization aiming not only to investigate the study of natural science and its kindred sciences, but also to conduct antiquarian research, the study and collection of relics from ancient times. This group of students was interested in the study of any and all subjects that would prove instructive and entertaining.
A committee was appointed to draft a constitution, and by-laws were adopted that following September. This organization was then called the Natural History Society of Rutgers College. Under the leadership of Dr. George H. Cook, Professor of Chemistry and Natural Sciences, the Society, made up of students and faculty and numerous honorary members, officers and correspondents, enjoyed almost a decade of meetings, talks and discussions of rare findings. From the founding of this association until the mid-1860's. there were 140 active members participating in activities of this organization. The remarks and donations attest to the vigorous findings and talks by members and their correspondents.
Unfortunately, the Natural History Society came to an end in 1867. In 1874, attempts were made by students to re-organize the defunct society. Officers were elected and the level of enthusiasm seemed as high as it was back in 1857. Many students were of the opinion that because of the existence of the society, the study of natural history had become one of the most important course of studies offered, and that more students than ever before were studying chemistry and natural history at Rutgers.
While the level of enthusiasm was undoubtedly high for the re-formation and conntinuance of this group, it appeared that the dynamic leadership and original ideas and enthusiasm that gave life to the Natural History Society of Rutgers College was gone forever. The chemistry and natural science courses at Rutgers were popular, but so were many other courses of study at this institution of higher learning. The Society may have run its life of usefulness to its end. Fortunately, we are in possession of selected records of the Society for use and study.
From the guide to the Inventory to the Records of the Natural History Society of Rutgers College, 1857-1874, (Rutgers University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives.)
