Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-Plagens, Emily S.Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.2008-12-152017-04-072008-12-152017-04-072008-122008-12-15http://hdl.handle.net/2104/5259Includes bibliographical references (p. 52-55)The United States of America is distant both geographically and chronologically from the classical culture of the Greek and Roman civilizations. For these reasons, classical antiquities were not widely available to the American public. In the era after the Civil War and in the early years of the twentieth century, however, American museums made huge strides toward acquiring classical collections of great significance. This thesis will recount the development of the classical collections of three major American museums: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the J. Paul Getty Museum. I will examine the major board members, directors, curators, and donors who led these museums to prominence, and identify key acquisitions that have been, and often still are, among the finest available. In particular I will show that the development of a major classical collection requires both wealthy, discerning donors and an educated, professional staff.iii, 55 p.818583 bytes218594 bytesapplication/pdfapplication/pdfen-USBaylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.). Dept. of Greek and Roman Art -- History.Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Dept. of Classical Art -- History.J. Paul Getty Museum. Dept. of Antiquities -- History.Classical antiquities -- Collectors and collecting.Art, classical -- Collectors and collecting --- United States.Museums -- Acquisitions --- United States -- History.ThesisWorldwide access