Guardians of Earth's Legacy
A Premier Institution for Natural History Research, Collections, and Public Engagement Since 1812.
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The Academy of Natural Sciences
Oldest in the Americas
Established in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University stands as the oldest natural science research institution and museum in the Western Hemisphere. Its founding mission was the "encouragement and cultivation of the sciences," a commitment that continues to drive its extensive research and public outreach endeavors.
Vast Collections
The Academy houses an unparalleled collection of over 17 million natural history specimens. These collections are crucial for scientific research, providing invaluable data for understanding biodiversity, evolution, and environmental change across geological time and geographical scope.
Affiliation with Drexel
Since 2011, the Academy has been formally affiliated with Drexel University. This strategic partnership enhances research capabilities, educational opportunities, and the dissemination of scientific knowledge, integrating the Academy's legacy with a leading modern university.
A Legacy of Discovery
Founding Principles
In the early 19th century, Philadelphia was a hub of intellectual activity. A group of naturalists, inspired by European scientific societies and eager to establish American scientific credibility, founded the Academy. Their aim was to foster a community for naturalists and advance the study of the natural world.
Evolution and Growth
The Academy quickly became a center for natural sciences in the U.S., sponsoring expeditions and publishing seminal works. Its collections grew significantly through donations and acquisitions, including important collections from institutions like the American Philosophical Society. The move to its current Parkway location in 1876 facilitated greater public access.
Influential Members
Throughout its history, the Academy has been associated with pioneering scientists and naturalists who significantly contributed to various fields. These individuals shaped the course of American science and expanded the global understanding of the natural world.
Treasures of Biodiversity
Botany
Home to the Philadelphia Herbarium (PH), the oldest herbarium in the New World, containing approximately 1.5 million specimens of vascular plants, fungi, lichens, and algae. Notable collections include specimens from the voyages of Captain Cook and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Diatoms
The Academy houses the largest Diatom Herbarium in the Americas and second largest globally, with around 220,000 slides. This collection is vital for environmental research and paleolimnology.
Entomology
With over 3.5 million specimens, the entomology collection is one of the oldest and most significant in the U.S., including the Titian Peale Moth and Butterfly Collection. It supports research on insect biodiversity and taxonomy.
Ichthyology
One of the most important fish collections in the U.S., containing nearly 1.2 million specimens. It supports research on fish taxonomy, evolution, and the ecology of aquatic systems, notably hosting the All Catfish Species Inventory.
Malacology
The oldest malacology collection in the U.S. and third largest worldwide, with over 10 million specimens. It is a critical resource for the study of mollusks, supporting research on marine and freshwater biodiversity.
Ornithology
Housing nearly 200,000 specimens representing over 9,000 species, this collection is among the largest and most complete bird collections globally. It supports ongoing research and is associated with the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club.
Vertebrate Paleontology
Containing over 22,000 specimens, this collection is foundational to American vertebrate paleontology. It includes significant holdings from early researchers like Joseph Leidy and Edward Drinker Cope, and specimens related to the discovery of Tiktaalik roseae.
Pioneering Environmental Science
Patrick Center for Environmental Research
Founded in 1947 by Ruth Patrick, this center pioneered applied ecology and interdisciplinary environmental research. It focuses on freshwater systems, biodiversity as a measure of water quality, and environmental consulting.
Molecular Systematics & Ecology
This laboratory facility enhances research using molecular biology techniques for studying biodiversity, evolutionary relationships (phylogenetics), and conservation genetics. It provides access to advanced technologies and training for researchers.
Global Research Initiatives
The Academy engages in significant international research, notably the long-term ecological studies at Lake Hovsgol in Mongolia. This work focuses on biodiversity, limnology, climate change impacts, and sustainable development practices in collaboration with international partners.
Engaging the Public
Dinosaur Hall
Featuring the world's first mounted dinosaur skeleton, Hadrosaurus, the Dinosaur Hall remains a centerpiece exhibit, showcasing fossil discoveries and the evolution of paleontological understanding.
Dioramas
The Academy preserves 37 iconic dioramas, created primarily in the 1930s and 40s. These immersive displays depict diverse wildlife and landscapes, offering a glimpse into natural history and the evolution of museum exhibition techniques.
Special Exhibitions
The Academy regularly hosts temporary exhibitions covering a wide range of natural science topics, from deep-sea exploration and ancient predators to avian biology and the intricacies of animal adaptations, providing fresh perspectives for visitors.
Inspiring Future Scientists
School Programs
The Academy offers field trips and outreach programs, including "Academy on the Go," providing hands-on learning experiences and specimen exploration for students from pre-K through high school.
Women in Natural Sciences (WINS)
A long-standing collaboration with the School District of Philadelphia, WINS provides female public school students with science enrichment, skill-building, and personal growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
Public Events
Annual festivals like Paleopalooza, Earth Day Festival, and Bug Fest engage the public with scientific disciplines through interactive activities, expert talks, and showcases of research collections.
Recognition and Support
Prestigious Honors
The Academy bestows several distinguished awards recognizing significant contributions to science and the public understanding of natural history.
Research Fellowships
Various endowments and fellowships support graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and artists pursuing research related to the Academy's collections and scientific mission. These include the Böhke Memorial Endowment, Gallagher Fellowship, Jessup and McHenry Awards, and the Eckelberry Endowment.
Disseminating Knowledge
Historical Journals
The Academy's publishing legacy includes the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences (first peer-reviewed U.S. natural science publication) and the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, continuously published since 1841.
Specialized Series
Beyond its main journals, the Academy publishes Notulae Naturae (for short scientific items), Monographs (for systematic reviews), and Special Publications (covering diverse topics like biography and history), ensuring comprehensive dissemination of scientific findings.
VIREO Image Resource
VIREO (Visual Resources for Ornithology) is the world's most comprehensive collection of bird images, containing over 180,000 photographs representing thousands of species, licensed for various uses.
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References
References
- The Sediment Core work in the Delaware Estuary is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Delaware.
- Hovsgol National Park, which includes the lake and its entire watershed, was created in 1992. Improvements took the form of improving park management, improving physical facilities, staff training and developing park-community relationships.
- Long-term ecological work at Hovsgol has been supported by the Global Environmental Facility from 2002-2006.
- The volumes of the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences published from 1817 to 1842 are referred to as the First Series. The Second Series was published from 1847 to 1918.
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