Academy of Natural Sciences Celebrates It’s Bicentennial

On March 21, 1812, seven amateur naturalists created what is now the nation’s oldest natural history museum, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Two centuries last, we celebrate 200 years of history, exploration, and scientific discovery. Dawn Timmeney, NBC10 anchor and Mistress of Ceremonies.
The Academy of Natural Sciences Announces Monthly Discount Days in Honor of Its Bicentennial
PHILADELPHIA (March 22, 2012) – The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University today announced special monthly discount days in honor of its yearlong Bicentennial. In honor of the founding on March 21st each upcoming 21st of the month:
On the 21st of each month, the Academy will offer two-for-the price-of-one admission. The discount offer begins April 21 and ends March 21, 2013. Regular admission is $15 for adults; $13 for children 3 through 12, seniors, college students, and military personnel; and free for members and children under 3.
Robert McCracken Peck, Curator of Art and Artifacts and Senior Fellow of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and Mayor Michael Nutter. Peck presents Nutter with a book he co-authored on art and artifacts. At one point Dr. Peck hands Mayor Nutter a box for his daughter Olivia to collect species from Fairmount Park for her insect collection that he’s sure she has. Nutter says I can’t wait to see the look on her face when he gives it to her. But he did add some of their families favorite times have been spent spending a day a the museum. They really love all the exhibits.
John A Fry, President, Drexel University and George W. Gephart, Jr., serves as President & CEO of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel UniversityOn March 24, the Academy will kick off a yearlong celebration featuring:· A major new exhibition called The Academy at 200: The Nature of Discovery.
· New behind-the-scenes tours of its world-renowned collections of 18 million animals and plants.
· Publication of the first complete history of the Academy, A Glorious Enterprise: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and the Making of American Science, by Academy Curator of Art and Artifacts Robert McCracken Peck and historical biographer Patricia Tyson Stroud.
· Bicentennial Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, March 24 and 25, with fun hands-on activities, music, games, crafts, an amazing multimedia light show and, of course, birthday cake.
· Monthly themed museum programs and giveaways.
For a complete schedule of events, programs and tours, visit www.ansp.org.Eliana Papadakis, Committee Member, Stephen Sheller, Board Member and Sandy Sheller.

Tom and Ellie Elkinton. Ellie was recently honored by Chorus America. For Ellie Elkinton, choral singing has always been a part of who she is. “It’s hard to imagine life without choral singing,” she says. “It’s deep in my soul.” A lifelong alto, Ellie sings with Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia and currently serves as chairman of the board of directors.
Harvey Forman, Partner at Blank Rome, Carl Cutler, Partner at Brown Brothers Harriman and Carol Cutler.EVERY NIGHT UNTIL TUESDAY: An entertaining five-minute multimedia light show with animated lasers will light up the front of the building with the fascinating story of the Academy’s world-renowned collections. Every 30 minutes from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. (Photo:ANS)