American Philosophical Society
| Type | Learned society, library, museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 104 South Fifth Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Old City |
| Phone | (215) 440-3400 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1743 |
| Founder | Benjamin Franklin |
| Hours | Thu-Sun 10 AM - 5 PM (museum) |
The American Philosophical Society (APS) is America's oldest learned society, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743 "for the promotion of useful knowledge." Located on Independence Square in Old City, the APS has counted among its members every important American natural philosopher, scientist, and statesman from the founding era to the present, including Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Darwin, Edison, Einstein, and countless others. The Society operates the APS Museum and maintains extraordinary collections documenting American science and history.[1]
The name "philosophical" reflects 18th-century usage, when "natural philosophy" encompassed what we now call science. Franklin envisioned a society where men of learning could share discoveries and improve the human condition. That mission continues today through the Society's fellowship program, publications, library, and museum, all situated in historic buildings overlooking Independence Square.[2]
History
Founding
Benjamin Franklin founded the American Philosophical Society in 1743, proposing:
- A society of "ingenious men" throughout the colonies
- Exchange of scientific and practical knowledge
- Focus on "useful knowledge" that improved life
- Philadelphia as the central hub
The Society struggled initially but was reorganized and flourished from 1769.
Early Members
Founding-era members included:
- Benjamin Franklin (founder)
- Thomas Jefferson (third president of the APS)
- George Washington
- John Adams
- Benjamin Rush
- David Rittenhouse
- Foreign members: Lafayette, Volta, Humboldt
Achievements
The APS has been involved in major scientific endeavors:
- Lewis and Clark Expedition: APS advised and supplied the expedition
- Transit of Venus (1769): Observations organized by APS
- Scientific publications: Oldest continuously published learned journal in America
The Buildings
The APS occupies significant buildings on Independence Square:
- Philosophical Hall (1789): Where the Society met and still meets
- Library Hall (reconstruction): Houses the APS Library
- Benjamin Franklin Hall: Museum exhibitions
The APS Museum
Location
The APS Museum is located in Benjamin Franklin Hall at 427 Chestnut Street.
Exhibitions
The museum presents exhibitions exploring:
- American science and discovery
- Founding-era history
- Important figures and discoveries
- APS collections and archives
Notable Holdings
The APS holds extraordinary materials:
- Jefferson's handwritten draft of the Declaration of Independence
- Lewis and Clark journals
- Franklin's papers
- Darwin's first announcement of evolution to Americans
- Scientific instruments
- Native American vocabularies collected by Jefferson
The APS Library
Collections
The APS Library holds:
- 350,000+ books and bound periodicals
- 13+ million manuscript pages
- Photographs and prints
- Focus: history of American science, medicine, technology
Access
The library is open to researchers:
- Reading room in Library Hall
- Staff assistance available
- Some materials digitized online
Research Programs
- Fellowships for scholars
- Digital projects
- Publications
The Society Today
Membership
APS membership is by election only:
- Limited to distinguished scholars
- Elected for contributions to knowledge
- Includes scientists, humanists, artists
- Notable recent members have included scientists, writers, and public figures
Programs
- Public lectures
- Symposia
- Publications
- Prizes and awards
Visiting the APS
Museum Hours
- Thursday-Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Monday-Wednesday
- Free admission
Location
The APS complex is on Independence Square:
- APS Museum: 427 Chestnut Street
- Philosophical Hall: 104 South Fifth Street
- Library Hall: 105 South Fifth Street
Tips
- The museum is free—a great value
- Exhibitions change—check website
- The buildings themselves are historic
- Perfect to combine with Independence Hall visit
Getting There
- SEPTA Market-Frankford Line: 5th Street Station
- SEPTA Bus: Routes 17, 33, 44, 48
- Walking: On Independence Square
- Parking: Independence Mall garage nearby
Nearby Attractions
- Independence Hall (adjacent)
- Liberty Bell (1 block)
- Second Bank of the United States (across Chestnut Street)
- Carpenters' Hall (1 block)
See Also
- Benjamin Franklin
- Independence Square
- Old City, Philadelphia
- Science in Philadelphia
- Library Company of Philadelphia
References
- ↑ "About the APS". American Philosophical Society. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "American Philosophical Society". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025