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Start Over Repository Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia Record Source Other PACSCL Partners Form Photographs Year 1869

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Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia Exhibits Department records, 1852-2001 (inclusive)

Extent:
49.0 linear feet (50 containers)
Abstract:
Prior to the 1930s, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia had neither an education department nor an exhibits department. However, the museum clearly stated that “to see that our scientific work is shared with the public in ways that instruct and entertain is one of our direct responsibilities, for knowledge of Nature not only widens the mental horizon, but helps to ease the common burdens of life.” In 1920, Harold T. Green came to work at the Academy. At first, he was in charge of arranging the public lectures funded by the Ludwick Institute. However, within a year he was also “superintending” exhibits. His skills as a taxidermist and artist soon overtook his role as a program coordinator and, in 1930 his title was officially changed to “Curator of Museum Exhibits.” In 1929, Green created his first habitat group, or “diorama” which depicted a group of rocky mountain goats. Over the years, the priorities and goals of the Exhibits Department shifted and expanded based upon...(see more)

Held at: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia [Contact Us]

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J. Percy Moore papers, 1847-1963 (inclusive)

Extent:
16.0 linear feet (45 containers)
Abstract:
John Percy Moore (1869-1965) was a Professor of Zoology at the University of Pennsylvania from 1912 to 1939, an Assistant Curator at the Academy of Natural Sciences from 1902 to 1938, and held several positions between 1920 and 1956 at the Ludwick Institute, which offered free lectures and courses in the natural sciences. He was also a world recognized authority on leeches. During his career, Moore named six genera, 229 species, five subspecies and four varieties of polychaetous annelids, or segmented worms (Loi 1980). The J. Percy Moore papers document Moore's professional career as a zoologist, primarily his study of leeches and other annelids; educator; and biographer. The collection dates from 1847 to 1963 and consists of his specimen notes, sketches, photographs, 16 mm film, travel logs, and field notes related to his study of leeches and other annelids. The collection also contains materials related to his involvement with The Academy of Natural Sciences (ANSP) Board of...(see more)

Held at: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia [Contact Us]

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Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia papers on expeditions, 1819-1969 (inclusive)

Extent:
6.0 containers
Abstract:
The oldest natural sciences institution in the Western Hemisphere, the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, was founded when the United States hugged the Atlantic coastline, and Philadelphia was the cultural, commercial, and scientific center of the new nation. Classic expeditions to explore the western wilderness were organized at the Academy. These explorers brought back new species of plants and animals, which were studied and catalogued; and which formed the foundation of the Academy's scientific collections, now consisting of more than 17,000,000 specimens. This collection documents the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia's expeditions across the globe from 1891 to 1977. The collection is rich in material, particularly regarding the Academy's expedition to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia in 1969. There is some general information regarding expeditions, especially in regard to the Committee on Names, which is responsible for selecting offical names for special...(see more)

Held at: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia [Contact Us]