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Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia Division of Environmental Research records, 1952-1995 (inclusive)

Extent:
21.0 linear feet (22 containers)
Abstract:
The Division of Environmental Research (DER) was established as a department of the Academy of Natural Sciences in 1947 by botanist and limnologist, Dr. Ruth Patrick. Originally called the Department of Limnology, the department was envisioned by Patrick as a multidisciplinary team of scientists devoted to helping protect the quality of the environment. Not only was environmental research a novel idea for the time, but the multidisciplinary nature of the research was also innovative. The primary goals of the Division were to, "understand aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including the effects of natural processes and human activities; apply this knowledge to assess ecosystems health and developing watershed-level strategies for enhancing environmental quality; and work with diverse stakeholders, including government, community groups, industry and environmental organizations to improve environmental stewardship" (ansp.org). This collection provides evidence of the activities of...(see more)

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

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Wagner Free Institute of Science Director's files, 1883-1948 (inclusive)

Extent:
36.42 linear feet (37 containers)
Abstract:
Incorporated by William Wagner (1796-1885) in 1855, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is a natural history museum and educational institution in Philadelphia that is dedicated to providing free public education in the sciences. This collection contains records of the operations of the Wagner Free Institute of Science from 1883 to 1948, including the Institute’s financial records; rental property records; and museum, library and instruction program records. The bulk of the collection is financial material and correspondence.

Held at: Wagner Free Institute of Science [Contact Us]

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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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Orphan Photograph Collection, 1926-1985, undated

Extent:
2.0 linear feet (2 containers)
Abstract:
The Orphan Photograph collection houses unrelated photographic prints, negatives, slides and other visual media created for or by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, dating from circa 1926 to 1985. The collection has an unknown custodial history; it appears to have been gathered together over time due to the random nature of the images and lack or loss of any connection between individual images and other larger collections. Researchers will find images of a variety of animal and plant specimens; photos taken during a few Academy events and multiple Academy sponsored expeditions; exhibits; as well as numerous portraits and snapshots of people affiliated with the institution. In addition, there are a handful of photographs and negatives produced or collected by the Public Relations Department for use in the Academy newsletter, Frontiers and other publications. Of particular note, are the photographs taken during Academy sponsored expeditions, especially those few...(see more)

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

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Wagner Free Institute of Science Superintendent's and Director's reports, 1903-1988 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.85 linear feet (2 containers)
Abstract:
Incorporated by William Wagner (1796-1885) in 1855, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is a natural history museum and educational institution in Philadelphia that is dedicated to providing free public education in the sciences. This collection consists of the superintendent’s and director’s reports from 1903 to 1988. This full-run of reports focuses mainly on financial matters such as renovation needs, real estate and property holdings, the estate of William Wagner, and the financial health of the institution. The reports also pay tribute to members of the staff and community who have recently died, announce or discuss programs and events at the Institute, and describe the professional activities of the directors.

Held at: Wagner Free Institute of Science [Contact Us]

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Wagner Free Institute of Science Director's files and business records, 1885-1924 (bulk) 1858-1938 (inclusive)

Extent:
10.5 linear feet (18 containers)
Abstract:
Incorporated by William Wagner (1796-1885) in 1855, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is a natural history museum and educational institution in Philadelphia that is dedicated to providing free public education in the sciences. This collection of records details the administrative, financial, and program aspects of the Institute from 1858 to 1938, with the bulk of the records dating from 1885 to 1924.

Held at: Wagner Free Institute of Science [Contact Us]

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Robert Chambers collection on William Wagner and the history of the Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1820-1910 (bulk) 1798-1980 (inclusive)

Extent:
2.0 linear feet (5 containers)
Abstract:
Incorporated by William Wagner (1796-1885) in 1855, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is a natural history museum and educational institution in Philadelphia that is dedicated to providing free public education in the sciences. The Robert Chambers collection on William Wagner and the history of the Wagner Free Institute of Science includes material collected by Chambers and contains correspondence; genealogical and family information; documents on William Wagner's early business career with Stephen Girard, the Lennoxville Steam Saw Mill and Snowden and Wagner; Wagner Free Instute of Science financial and operational material; and personal material from Sydney T. Skidmore, a member of the Board. This collection will almost certainly not provide a researcher with all the information needed—instead, this is an excellent starting point. Because these materials were, according to institutional memory, removed from other collections by Robert Chambers and kept close at hand due to...(see more)

Held at: Wagner Free Institute of Science [Contact Us]

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Wagner Free Institute of Science Actuary and Librarian records, 1883-1901 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.3 linear feet
Abstract:
Thomas Lynch Montgomery (1862-1929) was Actuary and Librarian at the Wagner Free Institute of Science from 1886 to 1903. He left the Institute to serve as the state librarian of Pennsylvania, a post he held for 18 years. In 1921 he became librarian at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, where he remained until his death. This collection consists of administrative records, financial documents, and correspondence of Thomas Lynch Montgomery, in his position as Actuary and Librarian of the Wagner Free Institute of Science. Many of these records deal with rental properties owned by the Institute, renovations to the Institute itself, exchanges of specimens and publication of the Transactions of the Wagner Free Institute of Science. There is a significant amount of correspondence from Joseph Willcox, William H. Dall, Henry Leffmann and Joseph Leidy.

Held at: Wagner Free Institute of Science [Contact Us]

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Annual Announcement of the Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1855-1927, 1959-2009

Extent:
1.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Incorporated by William Wagner (1796-1885) in 1855, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is a natural history museum and educational institution in Philadelphia that is dedicated to providing free public education in the sciences. The Annual Announcement was published every August from 1855 to 1927 and then from 1959 until the present. From 1927-1958, it was issued each year as no. 3 of the Bulletin of the Wagner Free Institute of Science. It is still being published and has been little changed over the years. The Annual Announcement generally includes a list of the trustees and faculty, the history of the Wagner Free Institute of Science, and a description of the types of instruction including specific lectures that were offered. The Annual Announcement of the Wagner Free Institute of Science collection contains copies of this publication from 1855 to 1927, 1959-2009. The collection is arranged chronologically.

Held at: Wagner Free Institute of Science [Contact Us]

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