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

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

The collection consists of photographic prints of the creation of taxidermied gorillas which were collected by the 1934 George Vanderbilt Expedition to Western Africa. The collection includes correspondence with the taxidermists, John Jonas and Louis Jonas (Jonas Brothers Studios), memoranda, and photographs of the mounting of specimens and the diorama.

Scope and Contents From the Collection:

This collection contains files transferred from the Communications Department pertaining to each scientific department, including reprints and press releases. Folder 2 contains reprints of various accounts of the Academy's history.