Revised May 2008
The American Philosophical Society, the oldest learned society in the United States, was
founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purpose of “promoting useful knowledge.”
In the 21st century the Society sustains this mission in three principal ways. It honors and
engages distinguished scientists, humanists, social scientists, and leaders in civic and
cultural affairs through elected membership and opportunities for interdisciplinary,
intellectual fellowship, particularly in the semi-annual Meetings in Philadelphia. It
supports research and discovery through grants and fellowships, lectures, publications,
prizes, exhibitions, and public education. It serves scholars through a research library of
manuscripts and other collections internationally recognized for their enduring historic
value. The American Philosophical Society’s current activities reflect the founder’s spirit
of inquiry, provide a forum for the free exchange of ideas, and convey the conviction of
its members that intellectual inquiry and critical thought are inherently in the public
interest.