From PhillyVoice · · 1m 50s
City Council fights to save Academy of Natural Sciences
Philadelphia's oldest museum faces closure, but lawmakers are exploring alternatives to keep the 198-year-old institution alive.
In brief
Philadelphia's oldest museum faces closure, but lawmakers are exploring alternatives to keep the 198-year-old institution alive. City Council is holding hearings to develop alternatives like partnerships and fundraising that could prevent the Academy of Natural Sciences from closing on September 30. Originally…
Philly's oldest museum faces closure
The Academy of Natural Sciences, founded in 1828, is set to shut down on September 30 after Drexel University cited financial difficulties and declining attendance.
19 million specimens at risk
The museum houses over 19 million specimens and fossils, including the first mounted dinosaur, a Hadrosaurus foulkii discovered in New Jersey.
Council introduces resolution to explore alternatives
Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. introduced a resolution to examine the closure's impact and develop alternatives like partnerships and fundraising to keep the institution open.
“As a father, I don't feel right allowing that place to just disappear”
Mayor and governor pledge support
Mayor Cherelle Parker and Governor Josh Shapiro said they would work together with Drexel to preserve the Academy's mission.
Public testimony supports keeping museum open
Museum supporters testified at Thursday's City Council meeting, with former employee Marie Gilbert calling it an important part of Philadelphia's and world history.
“We need the academy to remain open because it is an important part of not only Philadelphia's history and the United States' history, but also the history of the world”
Building lacks historic designation
The Logan Square building housing the collection is not listed on Philadelphia's Register of Historic Places, which would offer protections against major changes.
Councilmember Ahmad demands more information
Councilmember Nina Ahmad, who co-sponsored the legislation, said Drexel must provide details on how the museum reached financial crisis and that closure is not inevitable.
“There are options and opportunities to address this issue without closure being on the table”
Hearings could happen before deadline
Council President Kenyatta Johnson's office said a hearing could take place before the September 30 closure, though nothing has been scheduled yet.
Closure sparks protests and petitions
The abrupt announcement has prompted public outcry, with supporters launching protests and petitions to save the nation's oldest museum of its kind.
The takeaway
City Council is holding hearings to develop alternatives like partnerships and fundraising that could prevent the Academy of Natural Sciences from closing on September 30.
