Drexel University, Academy of Natural Sciences and Philanthropic Community Collaborate to Assess Possible Future for the Academy of Natural Sciences

With deep appreciation for the outpouring of public support for the Academy of Natural Sciences and its public museum, the Academy of Natural Sciences trustees, Drexel University, and the William Penn, Connelly, Hamilton, and Philadelphia Foundations today announced a transparent and inclusive effort to bring Philadelphia’s residents, political leadership, philanthropic, civic, cultural, and scientific communities together to help reimagine the future of the Academy, one of the city’s most treasured institutions. As part of this effort, the philanthropic community has committed to underwriting a comprehensive set of studies to assess the Academy’s long-term needs and identify the best path to ensure it remains in Philadelphia and accessible to the public.

Founded in 1812, the Academy is the oldest natural science research institution in the Americas. Its collection of more than 19 million specimens is among the most significant in the world, and its scientists have advanced understanding of biodiversity, freshwater systems and environmental change, work that has influenced researchers around the globe. Its halls have welcomed millions of schoolchildren, families and visitors, and for many Philadelphians, a first encounter with dinosaurs, butterflies and the natural world happened within its walls. Alongside the city’s great museums, libraries and public spaces, the Academy helps make the Benjamin Franklin Parkway one of the nation’s signature cultural boulevards.

"We are deeply grateful to the many philanthropic, civic and community leaders who have stepped forward to help secure a lasting future for the Academy of Natural Sciences,” said Drexel President Antonio Merlo, PhD. “The extraordinary outpouring of support reflects the special place the Academy holds in Philadelphia and the importance of its scientific, educational and public mission. Since the beginning of our affiliation in 2011, Drexel’s commitment to the Academy has never wavered. We welcome the opportunity to build on those efforts by bringing together the expertise, ideas and resources needed to shape a sustainable future for this treasured institution. We look forward to working with our partners to ensure that the Academy’s remarkable legacy continues to enrich Philadelphia and inspire future generations.”

This new effort reflects a shared understanding that decisions about Philadelphia’s treasures deserve careful consideration, a full understanding of the organizational challenges and options available, and the involvement of the communities and civic and political institutions that have supported them over centuries. Securing the future of the Academy will require broad community engagement and support, careful review of current physical and fiscal conditions, and the development of a durable financial model.

“For more than two centuries, the Academy of Natural Sciences has been part of who we are as a city,” said Shawn McCaney, Executive Director of the William Penn Foundation. “The future of the Academy is a civic issue, and it calls on all of us to come together. Supporting their success is a shared responsibility, and their futures are shaped by the choices we make together.”

“On behalf of the Academy’s trustees, I want to say how thankful we are for the love expressed for this institution from people across this city and from around the globe. It is clear that the Academy’s mission and its future are matters of importance, deserving of a shared community response,” said Suzanne Biemiller, Academy Board Chair. “We are pleased to embark now on this civic planning process and are incredibly grateful to Philadelphia’s philanthropic leaders for making it possible. Our imperative is to identify the best path forward to protect and preserve the legacy, collections, scientific research, and public access to the longest standing natural sciences institution in the Americas and ensure the Academy remains a vibrant and lasting part of Philadelphia’s future.”

The establishment of a steering committee, agreement on shared priorities, articulation of open questions, completion of necessary studies, and formulation of recommendations will be conducted through an open and transparent public process, which could take up to 12 months. It will be led by an experienced, independent professional to be selected by the funders of the study. The objective of the process will be to identify, assess, and evaluate multiple operating models to determine which are best suited and financially sustainable for the long term while preserving the Academy’s core scientific and public engagement functions as well as its historically and scientifically significant collections.

The process will be overseen by an Advisory Committee of respected experts and stakeholders that are representative of the public’s interest, local and state government, philanthropy, along with specialists in natural history museums, collections care, scientific research, architecture, real estate, facilities, construction, museum operations, education, fundraising and communications. A smaller working group drawn from the committee will provide regular guidance throughout the process.

The public will be invited to provide input during the process, and the priorities, criteria, questions, findings and recommendations will be released in a public report.

“Philadelphians have made clear how much the Academy means to them, and they deserve a voice in what comes next,” said Councilmember Nina Ahmad. “This independent, public process is a positive step in helping secure a strong future for this irreplaceable institution, and we look forward to aligning the efforts of City Council’s Task Force to complement this important work.”

The new initiative builds on the extensive work already undertaken by Drexel and Academy leadership to explore a viable long-term operating model for the institution, including a two-year strategic study supported by the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. It also follows ongoing discussions involving Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, represented by the Hon. David L. Cohen, to explore potential solutions for the Academy.

“We are grateful to the many individuals and organizations that have come forward to support the efforts of the Academy trustees and Drexel to secure the Academy’s future,” said Merlo. “The challenges before us are significant, but so is our collective determination to find a sustainable path forward for the Academy.”