Embarking on the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Next Chapter: Protecting a Legacy

Journal
Three different shell specimens on display at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.

At the Academy

From hands-on science workshops and engaging lectures to family-friendly weekend and evening events, the Academy offers a dynamic range of experiences that inspire curiosity and connect people of all ages with the natural world.

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Collections and Biodiversity

The Academy’s 19 million specimens drive research on biodiversity, evolution, climate change and conservation, preserving vital records of life on Earth.

Learn about the Academy's collections.
A room with jars of collected specimens with a large specimen on a table in the middle of the room.

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Environmental Research

Studying freshwater ecosystems to uncover vital links between biodiversity, water quality, environmental health and sustainability, supporting informed conservation decisions.

Learn about the science and research behind the Academy.
Six scientists walking in stream with fishing gear

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Library and Archives

The Academy Library and Archives is internationally recognized for its collections documenting the historical development of the natural and environmental sciences.

Learn about the Library and Archives.
A close up of rare books in the library.

From our Journal

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Embarking on the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Next Chapter: Protecting a Legacy

Embarking on the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Next Chapter: Protecting a legacy. Advancing discovery. Inspiring generations. Connecting people with the natural world. The Academy’s next chapter will look different, but its mission endures: advancing science, inspiring discovery and deepening our understanding of the natural world.

Three different shell specimens on display at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.

Preserving the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Legacy and Collections for the Future

The Academy of Natural Sciences will be closing its museum at the end of September, but preserving its research and collections mission.

The Academy of Natural Sciences building.

New Website Helps Understand the Academy's Collections

New Website Helps Understand the Academy's Collections

Multiple species of black and orange birds displayed in a drawer case in the Ornithology Collection at the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Seashells Book Features Academy Collections and Expertise

New book by Academy scientists examines a compendium of more than 5,000 shells

Page from the book Seashells of the World
A group of moths pinned in a collection.

Make a Difference

Support Our Research

You can be a force for nature with a donation to Academy research.

Volunteer

Our volunteers help maintain and catalogue collections and support important research work.

Several different colored birds that have been collected and have data tags attached to their foot.

A force for nature

A force for nature since 1812. Home to over 19 million scientific specimens and cutting‑edge research that inspire care for our natural world. Follow us on Instagram.

@acadnatsci

The Engagement Notice, the Open to Collaborate Notice, indicates that a researcher or an organization is committed to developing new modes of collaboration, engagement, and partnership over Indigenous collections and data. This Notice indicates a commitment to change and to develop new processes for the care and stewardship of past and future heritage collections.

Open to Collaborate

Our institution is committed to the development of new modes of collaboration, engagement, and partnership with Indigenous Peoples for the care and stewardship of past and future heritage collections.