Alexander Wetmore and the Smithsonian Institution in Latin America Alexander Wetmore and the Smithsonian Institution in Latin America

Alexander Wetmore and the Smithsonian Institution in Latin America

A Journey in Text and Photographs

  • Author: Quintero Toro, Camilo
  • Publisher: Universidad de los Andes
  • ISBN: 9789587989175
  • eISBN Pdf: 9789587989151
  • eISBN Epub: 9789587989199
  • Place of publication:  Bogotá , Colombia
  • Year of publication: 2025
  • Pages: 125

This book explores the life and legacy of Alexander Wetmore, a leading American ornithologist and sixth Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, as a lens to examine the role of science in U.S.–Latin American relations during the twentieth century. Through nearly forty expeditions across Latin America, Wetmore forged lasting ties with local scientists, institutions, and communities, contributing significantly to ornithological knowledge and Pan-American scientific exchange. Drawing on an extensive archive of personal and professional documents, the book offers a richly detailed account of Wetmore’s career and his engagement with the region, revealing how science, diplomacy, and power intersected in shaping hemispheric relations. Moreover, Wetmore’s archive contains a large and varied collection of photographs. A selection of these images, bringing to life his work and his vision of the region, is included in the book.

  • Cover
  • Title page
  • Copyright page
  • Table of Contents
  • List of Photographs
  • Acknowledgments
  • A Journey in Text
    • Introduction
    • The First Encounters (Imperialism and Appropriations of Nature)
    • The Good Neighbor (Cooperation and Gift-giving)
    • Power Relations
    • Military and Commercial Networks:Panama as Laboratory and Field Site
    • Conclusion
  • A Journey in Photographs
    • Wetmore’s Photographs
    • Transportation
    • Specimen Preparation and Field Headquarters
    • Assistants
    • Military Connections
    • Scientific Community
    • Visions of Local Inhabitants
  • References

Subjects

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