Philadelphia, May 10, 2013

Media Advisory/Photo Op
Historical Marker Will Be Dedicated Where the Academy of Natural Sciences Was Founded in 1812

What:
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission will dedicate a historical marker near the site of the founding of the Academy of Natural Sciences. The building where a group of amateur naturalists met on March 21, 1812 and signed the founding document no longer exists. A short ceremony with speakers describing the significance of the marker will take place in public on the sidewalk at 302 Market St. in Philadelphia.

Who:
The event is to be attended by invited guests including Drexel University President John Fry, Academy President George W. Gephart, Jr., First District Councilman Mark Squilla, and others.

When:
2 p.m. Wednesday, May 15

Where:
302 Market St., Old City section of Philadelphia

Background:
The Academy of Natural Sciences is the oldest natural history museum in the Americas and recently concluded its yearlong bicentennial celebration. The Academy was founded by a group of amateur naturalists with the commitment to encourage “the advancement and diffusion of useful, liberal, human knowledge.”  It has since become one of the most important natural history institutions in the world.  At its present location at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Academy continues its mission of “advancing research, education, and public engagement in biodiversity and environmental science” as part of Drexel University.

A press release and image will be issued May 15.

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