Overview 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...

Scope and Contents Committee reports were preserved for 1938 and 1939 when Stephen Thomas was Secretary and H. T. Green acting Secretary. A few of the papers relate to museum habitat groups and display of minerals. Also included are photographs of exhibits of specimens and other materials created by the Academy on display at Gimbel's and Wanamaker's department stores.Records assembled with the inclusive dates of 1868-1940 which carry the names of W. S. W. Ruschenberger, E. J. Nolan, and Wharton...

Scope and Contents

Through the generosity of Mary M. Trexler, the habitat group of the American Bison was erected in the Academy in 1934 in memory of her husband, General Harry C. Trexler. The specimens came from the famous herd on the Trexler game preserve near Allentown, Pennsylvania, the background being painted by C. Clarke Rosenkranz from sketches made in the Judith Basin Region, Montana. The group was designed by Harold T. Green and the formal opening held on Nov. 17, 1934.

Scope and Contents In 1929 and again in 1930, the Academy sponsored the Gray African Expeditions to procure Giant Sable Antelope for a habitat group in its museum. Through the generosity of Prentiss N. Gray, the nationally known big game hunter, the display was set up. The animals were prepared by the James L. Clark Studios, and Mr. Rosencrantz painted the background. The formal opening was announced in the newspapers on May 28, 1933.The papers were culled from the Academy's correspondence files...