This is an educational overview based on the Wikipedia article concerning the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Guardians of Earth's Legacy

A Premier Institution for Natural History Research, Collections, and Public Engagement Since 1812.

Discover the Academy 👇 Explore Research 🔬

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

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.

  • 1812: Founded by leading naturalists in Philadelphia.
  • 1817: First volume of the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences published.
  • 1818: Incorporated by the Pennsylvania legislature.
  • 1868: Debut of the first mounted dinosaur skeleton (Hadrosaurus), boosting public popularity.
  • 1876: Relocated to its current building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
  • 2011: Affiliated with Drexel University, renamed Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.

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.

  • Early Pioneers: William Bartram, Thomas Say, Titian Peale, Richard Harlan, Alexander Wilson.
  • 19th Century Leaders: Joseph Leidy, Edward Drinker Cope, Samuel George Morton, Ferdinand V. Hayden.
  • International Correspondents: Charles Darwin, Asa Gray, Thomas Henry Huxley, Georges Cuvier.
  • 20th Century Scientists: James Bond, Ruth Patrick, Henry Pilsbry, Witmer Stone.

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.

  • Diatom Autecology & Paleolimnology: Using diatoms for water quality assessment and studying long-term lake trends.
  • Environmental Chemistry & Toxicology: Analyzing contaminants in water, sediment, and tissues.
  • Habitat Restoration & Watershed Management: Studying ecological impacts and restoration strategies.
  • Fisheries Ecology: Researching fish populations, conservation, and impacts of environmental changes.
  • Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment: Utilizing aquatic insects and other invertebrates for biological monitoring.
  • Biogeochemistry: Investigating nutrient cycling and contaminant transport in aquatic systems.
  • Ecological Modeling: Applying mathematical models to environmental questions.

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.

  • Hayden Memorial Geological Award: Honors prominent geologists and paleontologists.
  • Gold Medal for Distinction in Natural History Art: Recognizes artists who enhance appreciation of the natural world. Past recipients include Roger Tory Peterson and Ansel Adams.
  • Richard Hopper Day Memorial Medal: Awarded for outstanding contributions in interpreting natural sciences to the public. Recipients include David Attenborough and Sylvia Earle.
  • Joseph Leidy Award: Honors research in the natural sciences.

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.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "Academy Of Natural Sciences Of Drexel University" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about academy_of_natural_sciences_of_drexel_university while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

References

References

  1.  The Sediment Core work in the Delaware Estuary is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Delaware.
  2.  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.
  3.  Long-term ecological work at Hovsgol has been supported by the Global Environmental Facility from 2002-2006.
  4.  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.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on data sourced from Wikipedia and has been refined to align with academic standards. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the information may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not professional academic or scientific advice. The information provided herein should not substitute consultation with qualified experts or reference to primary academic sources. Always verify information and consult with professionals for specific research or academic needs.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.