In Franklin's Footsteps: 275 Years at the American Philosophical Society (Online Exhibition)

2018
American Philosophical Society, 105 S. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

For 275 years, the American Philosophical Society (APS) and its Members have changed the world. The Society’s mission of “promoting useful knowledge” has led to important advancements in science, technology, and the humanities.

In 1743, Benjamin Franklin founded the American Philosophical Society, the nation’s first learned society. Franklin proposed that “ingenious Men residing in the several colonies” be elected as Members of the Society. Members were to pursue “all philosophical Experiments that let Light into the Nature of Things, tend to increase the Power of Man over Matter, and multiply the Conveniencies or Pleasures of Life.”

Since 1743, APS Members have continued Franklin’s Enlightenment mission. They calculated the size of the solar system, explored distant lands, shed light on the origins of life, unearthed ancient fossils, invented computer technologies, cured diseases, and walked on the moon.

Today, the APS continues to recognize and support the extraordinary achievements of its Members.

Introduction to In Franklin's Footsteps

leather and mahogany armchair

Library Chair with Folding Steps

Benjamin Franklin, 1760–1780
a blue and white flower surrounded by green leaves with its seeds magnified and the name of the title and author at the bottom of the page

Franklinia alatamaha

William Bartram, date unknown
black and white text on beige paper

Selected Imprints and Books from Benjamin Franklin’s Personal Library

Various Authors, 1681-1781

Explore the Exhibition

Portrait of Benjamin Franklin, Charles Willson Peale, 1772. APS. Gift of Charles Willson Peale, 1785.

Part 1: Philosophical Experiments

portrait of a man (Charles Darwin)

Part 2: Let Light into the Nature of Things

boot of spacesuit and footprint on moon

Part 3: The Power of Man over Matter

brick building (Philosophical Hall)

Part 4: The Future of the APS

APS Blog Posts Related to In Franklin's Footsteps

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Erin Holmes
January 31, 2019

Chemistry and Chutzpah

Amy Ellison
July 24, 2018

Support for this exhibition was provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Philadelphia Cultural Fund, APS Members and Friends, and donations by visitors to the APS Museum.

In Franklin's Footsteps: 275 Years at the American Philosophical Society was curated by Dr. Amy Ellison and Dr. Erin Holmes, Andrew W. Mellon Post-Doctoral Curatorial Fellows, and was open to the public from April 13, 2018 until December 1, 2018. It was archived as a digital exhibition on the APS website by Dr. Erin Holmes on July 1, 2019.