The American museum was not born, but made. Visionary museum innovators transformed the private curiosity collections of the 19th century into today's public institutions of education. The Museum in America recounts the colorful histories of thirteen leading figures from the formative period around the turn of the century. In the lively style of Museum Masters, Edward Alexander tells the stories of pioneers in history, science, art, and general museums. For any student or museum professional interested in the history of the museum, this volume is the place to start.