Statement on Supporting Access to Arts and Sciences in Communities

           

September 25, 2026 - The Phi Beta Kappa Society honors the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the nation's oldest natural history museum, as its public museum prepares to close on September 30.

Museums play an important role in making arts and sciences knowledge accessible to all members of our communities. They offer opportunities for curiosity, discovery, and learning that extend beyond the classroom. By bringing people into contact with new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, museums help foster a deeper understanding of the world and inspire a lifelong interest in learning.

The Academy of Natural Sciences has served that role for generations. Its collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and public spaces provide meaningful opportunities for people to encounter and learn about the natural world. We support efforts to preserve public access to arts and sciences experiences and to ensure that museums remain vital resources for their communities and for future generations.