Museum of Nature and Forest in Bialowieza [antikvár]

MUSEUM OF NATURE AND FOREST. IN BIAtOWIEZA To the memory of Stefan Krukowski, Director of the Bialowieza National Park, initiator of the publication of the present guide. The origins of the Museum date back to autumn 1919, when a collection of objects of nature was started on the initiative of local foresters. After the National Park had started in 1921 with the formation of the "Rezerwat" ("Reserve") forest district, the Museum was included into it. The first Director of the Park, Professor J. Paczoski continues developing the collection, completing, among other things, a herbárium of vascular plánt of the Bialowieza Forest. His successor, J. J. Karpinski makes additions to the Museum with valuable zoological collections, as well as an exhibition of equipment and tools connected with primitive forest bee-keeping. In 1930 premises were obtained in the former Czar's residence and the collections were made accessible to visitors. In 1937 a building was adapted for the needs of the museum, where it dwelt until 1972. A skilful preparator Jerzy Gundlach, who worked in the Museum before World War Two, made all exhibits of European bisons, many specimens of large mammals and most of the birds. The Museum became introduced into the official Register of Museums in Poland and was granted the patronage name of Professor Jan Miklaszewski, prominent forester, one of the founders of the National Park. During World War Two the Czar's palace burned down together with collections stored there - of primitive bee-keeping, inver-