American Philosophical Society

This Wednesday at 6 pm ET, Holly Miowak Guise will discuss her book, Alaska Native Resilience, which draws on interviews with Alaska Native elders about their memories of WWII Alaska as servicemen, civilians, and children. Join in person or online:

"Alaska Native Resilience: Voices from World War II" 7th Annual Digital Knowledge Sharing Workshop Keynote Discussion with Holly Miowak Guise | American Philosophical Society Join the APS for a keynote discussion featuring Holly Miowak Guise. This keynote is a part of the broader 7th Annual 2024 Digital Knowledge Workshop at the American Philosophical Society. Alaska Native elders remember wartime invasion, relocation, and land reclamation

Julie Fairman, Professor of Nursing at Penn Nursing, will receive the Living Legend award from the American Academy of Nursing. She spoke at a 2018 Meeting of the APS on nurses' participation in the Civil Rights movement:

We Went to Mississippi: Nurses’ Civil Rights Activism of the Mid-1960s Julie Fairman speaking at the American Philosophical Society Autumn Meeting, November 2018.

APS President Roger Bagnall has been awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of Reading:

New APS Member John Fry will leave his post as President at this fall to become President at . Listen to his interview with WHYY to learn more about his priorities:

John Fry will be Temple's next president. Here are 6 things to know - WHYY Fry explained his vision for tackling crime on campus, increasing diversity, and working with the neighboring community.

Kudos to the team in the APS's Center for Digital Scholarship--Visualizing Women in Science was named 1st Runner Up in the Best DH Data Visualization category in the just-announced 2023 Digital Humanities Awards. Launch the visualization and learn about the networks of women scientists in APS collections.
https://diglib-legacy.amphilsoc.org/womeninscience/network-vis.html

In April 2025, the David Center at the APS, the Concord Museum, and Massachusetts Historical Society, will hold a conference on the theme “1775” marking the 250th anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord. The conference will explore the challenges facing New England society in this moment and their impact on the outbreak of fighting in 1775. Apply by October 15:

CFP: "1775: A Society on the Brink of War and Revolution," April 10-11, 2025 at the Concord Museum | American Philosophical Society The Concord Museum, the David Center for the American Revolution at the American Philosophical Society, and the Massachusetts Historical Society will hold a conference on April 10-11, 2025 on the theme “1775”. The conference will be convened at the Concord Museum and marks the 250th anniversary ...

In advance of the release of Bob Frishman's biography of clockmaker Edward Duffield next month, APS Press Fellow Jon Repetti visited Frishman's Massachusetts home and workshop to learn more about the author's connection to his subject.

Still Ticking: A Modern Clockmaker Revives His 18th-Century Philadelphia Predecessor, in a New Biography from the APS Press | American Philosophical Society This August, the APS Press will be releasing Edward Duffield: Philadelphia Clockmaker, Citizen, Gentleman, 1730-1803, by Bob Frishman. The story of Edward Duffield’s life is both a window into the world of colonial clockmaking and a history of 18th-century Philadelphia from the perspective of one ...

John James Audubon was elected to the APS in 1831, but not all of his fellow Members wished to see him elected. His rivalry with fellow ornithologist Alexander Wilson (APS 1813) and APS President George Ord (APS 1817) delayed his election until Ord was out of town.

Get a whirlwind tour of the naturalists, plants, and animals featured in our exhibition Sketching Splendor on July 31 at our 30/30 lightning talk, covering 30 topics in 30 minutes. Stick around afterwards to visit the exhibition:

30/30 Sketching Splendor | American Philosophical Society Wednesday, July 31st from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ETJoin the American Philosophical Society in learning about the naturalists and natural history that resides in our current exhibition, Sketching Splendor: American Natural History, 1750-1850. Spanning the whole exhibition and many aspects of natural....

Philadelphia clockmaker Edward Duffield died in 1803. Now, the APS Press has published the first book-length study of his life and work. Attend the book launch on September 18 to hear from author Bob Frishman about this remarkable craftsman:

Book Launch: Edward Duffield, Clockmaker | American Philosophical Society The American Philosophical Society Press will host a launch for the first book length study of Philadelphia clockmaker Edward Duffield on September 18, 2024.

Join the APS Museum and Wyck Historic House, Garden, and Farm on Saturday, July 27th for “Roots and Shoots in the Jefferson Garden.'' Visitors will learn about growing plants and start their own green bean seedling.

Roots and Shoots in Jefferson Garden | American Philosophical Society Saturday, July 27th from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. ETJoin the APS Museum and Wyck Historic House on Saturday, July 27th for “Roots and Shoots in the Jefferson Garden”.Inspired by the APS’s current exhibition, Sketching Splendor: American Natural History, 1750-1850, visitors will channel their inner...

New research on the antikythera mechanism suggests that the ancient dial's ring may have been a lunar, rather than solar, calendar. The APS published the first study of this device with Derek de Solla Price's "Gears from the Greeks," available digitally later this year. Price also partially funded his research through grants from the APS.

Gravitational Wave Scientists Are Unraveling the Mysteries of the World's Oldest Analog Computer A new study challenges a core assumption about the Antikythera mechanism, a 2,000-year-old device that inspired the latest "Indiana Jones" film

Congratulations to APS Member Frances Arnold (APS 2018), winner of the American Chemical Society's 2025 Priestly Medal, the Society's highest honor. Arnold is honored "for her pioneering contributions to the development of directed evolution as a method for chemical and biological design." Her work has had major impact in the development of enzymes in medicine and environmental work. This research also earned her the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2018.

Frances H. Arnold awarded the 2025 ACS Priestley Medal - American Chemical Society ACS is proud to announce that Frances H. Arnold is being awarded the 2025 Priestley Medal, which is the highest honor awarded by ACS and recognizes an individual for distinguished service to chemistry.

On Wednesday, July 24, Holly Miowak Guise will discuss her work with Indigenous elders to explore the multidimensional relationship between Alaska Natives and the US military during the World War II. This keynote is a part of the broader 7th Annual 2024 Digital Knowledge Workshop at the American Philosophical Society. Attend in person or virtually:

"Alaska Native Resilience: Voices from World War II" 7th Annual Digital Knowledge Sharing Workshop Keynote Discussion with Holly Miowak Guise | American Philosophical Society Join the APS for a keynote discussion featuring Holly Miowak Guise. This keynote is a part of the broader 7th Annual 2024 Digital Knowledge Workshop at the American Philosophical Society. Alaska Native elders remember wartime invasion, relocation, and land reclamation

On July 24 and 25, the David Center at the APS, George Mason’s Gunston Hall, and The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington, will convene a conference discussing the Origins of the American Revolution and the Fairfax Resolves. Register to attend in person in VA or remotely:

The Origins of Revolution: 250th Anniversary of the Fairfax Resolves | American Philosophical Society To mark the 250th anniversary of the Fairfax Resolves, a central document in the coming of the American Revolution co-authored by George Mason and George Washington, George Mason’s Gunston Hall, the David Center for the American Revolution at the American Philosophical Society, and the George Wash...

APS Members Adi Shamir (APS 2019), Joanne Chory (APS 2015), and Lord Martin Rees (APS 1995) are 2024 laureates. The Wolf Prize "is awarded annually to Scientists and Artists for their achievements in the interest of mankind and friendly relations amongst peoples."

Congratulations! The 2024 Wolf Prize Laureates were announced!

APS Member David Tatel will appear on Washington Post Live this Wednesday at 1 pm ET to discuss the U.S. justice system and his memoir, Vision, with Jonathan Capehart. Register:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/washington-post-live/2024/07/10/retired-judge-david-tatel-vision-dc-circuit-tenure-supreme-court-concerns/

This week, as we commemorate the 248th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we turn to other commemorative examples. This invitation looks to the third anniversary, with Benjamin Franklin still in France, throwing a party to celebrate the occasion.

Important opening hours update for the holiday week:
The APS Museum is open today, Tuesday, July 2, 10 A.M.–5 P.M.
The museum is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 A.M.–5 P.M.

APS offices and the Library Reading Room will be closed Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5.

The small, tightly-bound diaries of Victor Heiser are challenging to digitize, but provide fascinating insight into public health in the early 20th century. Joseph DiLullo presents a few highlights.

The Diaries of Victor Heiser | American Philosophical Society The Victor Heiser Papers are a valuable resource that tell the story of an important public health figure of the 20th century. One of the most interesting and useful parts of the collection are Heiser’s travel diaries and notebooks. Victor Heiser, a medical doctor and public health administrator, ...

Tomorrow, July 2, is the first annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do with our historic district partners! Join in the fun with a parade through Independence Mall, then stop by the APS and explore the museum, visit our table in the Signers Garden in the afternoon for hands-on activities, and cool off with movie snacks and a screening of 1776 in the evening. https://www.amphilsoc.org/events/aps-red-white-blue-do

Stop by the APS for Wawa Welcome America free museum day today, 10-5!

The American Philosophical Society is pleased to participate in Wawa Welcome America this Saturday, June 29, 10 am - 5 pm. Visit our exhibition Sketching Splendor: American Natural History 1750-1850 and enjoy family-friendly programming. Channel your inner naturalist and learn about the biomes in which plants and animals live, the different beaks birds have to survive, and make butterfly feeders. 104 S 5th St. Philadelphia, 19106.

Sign up to join the Red, White, & Blue To-Do parade on Tuesday July 2, then stop by our neighborhood partners and join in the fun at the APS- tour the museum, participate in activities in the Signers Garden, and cool off with some movie snacks in Franklin hall and watch 1776. https://www.amphilsoc.org/events/aps-red-white-blue-do

Help us get ready for Red, White, & Blue To-Do! 

Join in the Pomp & Parade and help decorate the wagons at the National Constitution Center this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday! The activity is free but space is limited, so advance registration is required.

Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade kicks off at the National Constitution Center on July 2, at 11am, traveling along Independence Mall and ending at Carpenters’ Hall at noon. The parade will include a variety of youth performance troupes, miniature, hand-decorated wagon floats, and community members decked out in patriotic flair.

Pre-registration to march in the Pomp & Parade is required, but everyone is invited to follow along the parade route.

Join us in other special Red, White, & Blue To-Do activities!

𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘀𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲
9am | Children’s Naturalization Ceremony

12-4pm | Carnival-style games in the Courtyard, including Patriotic Plinko!

The House will also extend its hours through 7pm on July 2!

𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗲
1-3pm | Meet and Greet with Wonder Woman, Red, White, and Blue tattoo giveaways, and free fun for kids! 

Visit the link in our bio to learn more and register!

The APS Press's book on 18th century Philadelphia clockmaker Edward Duffield is the cover Antiques And The Arts Weekly. Read more about what made this gentleman craftsman tick:

Edward Duffield Philadelphia Clockmaker, Citizen, Gentleman 1730-1803 - Antiques And The Arts Weekly PHILADELPHIA — “Collectors of antiques are likely to think of clocks as furniture rather than as timekeepers.

The American Philosophical Society is pleased to participate in Wawa Welcome America this Saturday, June 29, 10 am - 5 pm. Visit our exhibition Sketching Splendor: American Natural History 1750-1850 and enjoy family-friendly programming. Channel your inner naturalist and learn about the biomes in which plants and animals live, the different beaks birds have to survive, and make butterfly feeders. 104 S 5th St. Philadelphia, 19106.

We have extended the deadline for proposals for our 2024-2025 Indigenous Learning Forum to Monday, August 5!
The ILF is a virtual space for sharing Indigenous-led and community-engaged projects, as well as research in Native American and Indigenous Studies and related fields. Presenters represent diverse Indigenous communities, professional and scholarly fields, and career levels.

Indigenous Learning Forum | American Philosophical Society Submissions for the 2024-2025 Indigenous Learning Forum are open through Monday, June 10. Deadline extended to Monday, August 5!Submit your proposal here!Inspired by the work of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR), the APS Library & Museum's Indigenous Learning Forum (form...

In trying to find computer scientist Lois Haibt in the collections, Anne Downey started with the digital networking project Visualizing Women in Science and then dug even deeper.

Deeply Hidden in the Archives: Lois M. Haibt | American Philosophical Society Computer scientist Lois M. Haibt may not be a household name. She’s described by her family as being a quiet, unassuming woman who enjoys tootling around on the internet, the occasional knitting or sewing project, and socializing with family and friends. As it turns out, though, she is one of the ...

The APS is pleased to join our historic neighborhood partners in "pomp and parade" at the Red, White, & Blue To-Do on July 2! The APS's museum will be open 10-5, we will be hosting fun Declaration related activities in the Signers Garden (5th and Chestnut Streets) from 11-3 and we will screen the film 1776 at 6 pm. Get all the details here: https://www.phlvisitorcenter.com/red-white-blue-to-do-philadelphia-pa

Thanks to the nearly 65,000 visitors who paid a visit to our exhibition Pursuit & Persistence: 300 Years of Women in Science in 2023. Visitor Services Coordinator Deanna Johnson reflected on some meaningful interactions with guests over the past year:

Pursuit & Persistence: A Recap of 2023 at the APS Museum | American Philosophical Society Another great exhibition season at the American Philosophical Society Museum has come to a close. Over 65,000 walk-in visitors from around the world were able to learn about the brilliant scientists featured in Pursuit & Persistence: 300 Years of Women in Science. That number does not include the nu...