Recognizing, Honoring, and Celebrating The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University For Its Invaluable Contributions To The Environmental and Natural Sciences As The Oldest Natural History Museum In The Nation-On The Occasion Of The Academy's 200th Anniversary: 1812-2012.

WHEREAS, In 1812, seven amateur naturalists founded the Academy of Natural Sciences for, “the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences, and the advancement of useful learning”; and

WHEREAS, In the year 2012, the Academy of Natural Sciences completes its 200th year and begins its third century as the oldest natural history museum in the nation; and

WHEREAS, The Academy of Natural Sciences is internationally known for its collections of over 18 million specimens, including the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton, Thomas Jefferson's fossil collection, specimens from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the magnificent original wildlife drawings of John Audubon; and

WHEREAS, The Academy of Natural Sciences' members have included nine Nobel Laureates, two United States presidents, and the current Dalai Lama; and

WHEREAS, The Academy of Natural Sciences is not just a repository of historical artifacts, but an ongoing research center with scientists studying global warming in Mongolia, avian-flu carriers in Vietnam, and fossils from Pennsylvania to Patagonia—as well as many other important subjects in many other places that will result in knowledge useful in understanding the past, dealing with the present, and planning for the future; and

WHEREAS, In the year 2011, the Academy of Natural Sciences merged with Drexel University to develop the synergy of Academy researchers and collections with Drexel's educators and students; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia looks forward to yet another century of excellent scientific leadership from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Recognizing, honoring, and celebrating The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University for its Invaluable Contributions to the Environmental and Natural Sciences as the Oldest Natural History Museum in the Nation—On the Occasion of The Academy's 200th Anniversary: 1812-2012.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.

End

Darrelle L. Clarke David Oh

President Councilman-At-Large

Councilman 5th District

Jannie L. Blackwell Cindy Bass

Councilwoman 3rd District Councilwoman 8th District