The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia (ANSP) was founded in 1812 as a natural sciences institution with a long history of promoting exploration and scientific collection. The Academy opened to the public in 1828. The Officers of the Academy were responsible for the administrative oversight of the institution. In this capacity, the office of the Treasurer provided a yearly report to the Officers of the Academy, as well as other financial accountings. This collection includes the Academy Treasurers’ Reports and other financial documents from 1815 to 1927.

The time period of 1815 to 1927 included seven Treasurers, some of whom served as the Academy Treasurer for a number of years. By reviewing Collection 391, ANSP. Officers' Lists 1812-1955, it was determined that the following men served as ANSP Treasurer throughout the time period of this collection:

Richard Randolph, 1815

Jacob Gilliams, 1816-1826

George W. Carpenter, 1827-1859

William C. Henszey, 1860-1890

Isaac C. Martindale, 1891-1893

Charles P. Perot, 1894

George Vaux, Jr., 1895-1928

The Treasurer's Report was delivered annually, at the end of the year, to the Academy Officers. The Treasurers’ reports consist of various components, such as receipt notations, investment income, building expenses, salary expenses and various other types of financial accounting. Auditor’s signatures and statements usually appear with each report. Early reports are found to consist of a narrative format with some type of ledger and later reports use a similar format.

The Treasurer was also involved other financial activities, represented in this collection; such as, budgets, appropriations and building fund reporting. Financial documents for these activities include handwritten notes, as well as, formal typewritten reports.

The Treasurers’ reports and other financial documents provide a unique view into finances during the 1800’s and early 1900’s, as well as a perspective on the business side of the Academy, throughout the early years. This collection time period is also significant, since it represents the time that the Academy transitioned from a private institution to one open to the public and also includes building moves and renovations. Finances would be expected to reflect the changes necessary during these transitions. Taking all this into account, this collection may be viewed as more than a number of financial reports, but as a view into the early history of the Academy.