Families and protesters gather in the rain Saturday to oppose the planned closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences.
The impending closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences, the nation’s oldest natural history museum, has prompted a significant outpouring of community support in Philadelphia. The museum, which has served as an educational cornerstone for nearly 200 years, is scheduled to close its doors after a final day of operation on Sunday. This decision was announced by Drexel University on September 1, 2023, citing declining attendance and economic pressures, aiming instead to focus on ongoing research efforts at the academy.
Families flocked to the museum on Saturday, braving inclement weather conditions, to witness its exhibits one last time. Among the visitors was Christine Anderson, who expressed her desire to preserve the family’s tradition of visiting the museum. Having frequented the institution as a child and returning with her daughter Krissy, Anderson valued the opportunity for her youngest child, baby Lola, to experience the museum’s offerings.
Anderson conveyed her disappointment regarding the closure, highlighting the museum’s importance to both education and Philadelphia’s culture. Her sentiments echoed the feelings of many attendees, who saw the closure as a loss to the community, particularly at a time when other educational institutions face similar fates.
The Save the Academy Coalition organized a rally outside the museum, underscoring the message that the institution’s story is not yet finished. Organizer Sarah McAnulty emphasized that community engagement was crucial in demonstrating the museum’s relevance to Philadelphia residents. The coalition set up a letter-writing station for children to communicate directly with university officials about the museum’s future, along with activities like animal face painting and a free concert.
Efforts to support the museum gained traction when the William Penn Foundation announced that it would provide funding to keep the museum open for at least one additional year, pending Drexel’s consideration of the offer. Many community members hope the university will accept this financial support, reinforcing the notion that public access to the museum is vital for educational inspiration.
Residents like Dan Solomon, who have personal ties to the institution, voiced their belief that the Academy of Natural Sciences has played a crucial role in shaping future generations. As the debate over the museum’s future continues, advocates stress the necessity of preserving such cultural and educational resources for the benefit of the city. As closure nears, the hope remains alive that a resolution can be reached that ensures the Academy’s legacy continues.
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