Friends of the APS

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The American Philosophical Society, established by Benjamin Franklin in 1743 for the purpose of “promoting useful knowledge,” is deeply connected to the birth and development of our nation. Today America’s first learned society carries out its mission through support of scholarly research, stewardship of world-renowned collections, and an array of exhibitions and public programs.

Who are the Society’s Friends? Friends of the APS come from many quarters: family members and descendants of elected Members, APS grant and fellowship recipients, Library users and online researchers, Museum visitors, educators at all levels, and individuals who are interested in American history and the history of science from the nation’s founding era to the present. Friends will explore and discover the Society’s resources and enjoy an array of public programs—lectures, exhibitions, and special “Friends-only” events. Subscribing Friends may make their annual donations unrestricted, or designate their support specifically for:

Research Grants and Fellowships—Each year the APS awards grants to some 150 early-career scholars and scientists for such purposes as research-related travel to libraries and museums or field research around the world—activities that might otherwise be unaffordable for younger academics. There are virtually no other organizations that offer research grants on this scale in all disciplines and with complete portability. Over the past decade alone, more than 1,500 research grants have been awarded to individuals in some 600 colleges and universities across the nation. Many APS grant recipients—some 16,000 since the 1930s—have become leading figures in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.

The Library—The Society’s independent research library is home to renowned collections in early American history, history of science, medicine, and technology, and Native American anthropology—some 11 million manuscripts, 350,000 volumes and bound periodicals, 250,000 images, and thousands of hours of recordings of extinct/endangered Native American languages. The Library serves a broad range of researchers both on site and remotely, thanks to a robust web presence and comprehensive reader services. Its collections are organically related to the Society’s distinguished membership as well as to its place in American intellectual and scientific history.

The Museum—The APS Museum interprets the Society’s collections and explores the intersections of history, art, and science through thematic exhibitions, public programs, and educational outreach. The Museum resides in Philosophical Hall, a National Historic Landmark and the Society’s headquarters since 1789 (located within what is now Independence National Historical Park). The Museum has attracted more than 700,000 visitors since it opened in 2001.

Meetings—Twice a year, APS Members and other distinguished scientists and scholars convene to present talks and symposia on a range of topics over three days of lively intellectual exchange. Friends who join at or above the Philosophical Circle level ($1,000) will receive an invitation to attend an APS Meeting. For further information, please contact the Friends’ Office at 215-599-4303 or APSfriends [at] amphilsoc [dot] org.

Gift Levels and Benefits

All Donors, including $25 Student Affiliates:

Invitation to attend Library and Museum lectures, performances, exhibitions, and other “Friends Only” events—all free of charge
Receipt of APS Friends e-newsletter with upcoming events and other APS news
Invited to Friends-only events

$250

Packet of postcards depicting highlights from APS collections

$500

Receipt of an APS publication of your choice (click here to see current and backlist publications)

$1,000

Invitation for 2 persons to attend one APS Meeting

$2,500

Invitation for 2 persons to attend two APS Meetings

$5,000

Private tour for up to 6 guests of EITHER Library treasures with Librarian OR Museum exhibition with Curator
Invitation for 2 persons to attend two APS Meetings

$10,000 - $25,000

Private tour for up to 12 guests of BOTH Library treasures AND current Museum exhibition. For contributions of $25,000 or more, the visit will include lunch with the APS Executive Officer and other members of the Society.
Invitation for 2 persons to attend two APS Meetings