Editing American Philosophical Society

{{Infobox Museum
| name = American Philosophical Society
| image =
| image_caption = American Philosophical Society on Independence Square
| type = Learned society, library, museum
| address = 104 South Fifth Street
| neighborhood = Old City
| coordinates = 39.9486,-75.1498
| phone = (215) 440-3400
| website = https://www.amphilsoc.org
| established = 1743
| founder = Benjamin Franklin
| director =
| collections = Scientific and historical archives
| visitors = Museum and library
| 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, Philadelphia|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.<ref name="aps">{{cite web |url=https://www.amphilsoc.org/about |title=About the APS |publisher=American Philosophical Society |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

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.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/american-philosophical-society/ |title=American Philosophical Society |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== 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 ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.amphilsoc.org American Philosophical Society Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/american-philosophical-society/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=American Philosophical Society - Benjamin Franklin's Learned Society
|description=Visit the American Philosophical Society, America's oldest learned society founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743. Free museum exhibitions, historic buildings on Independence Square, and extraordinary archives.
|keywords=American Philosophical Society, Benjamin Franklin, Lewis and Clark journals, Independence Square, scientific society, Philadelphia history, free museum
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Libraries]]
[[Category:Old City]]
[[Category:Benjamin Franklin]]
[[Category:Science]]
[[Category:Independence Mall]]