By Viviana Pruett-Saratan 

PHILADELPHIA — Hundreds of families lined up to visit the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University for the final time on Sunday, Sept. 27, to rally against the closing of the museum. Drexel University President Antonio Merlo and Academy Board of Trustees Chair Suzanne Biemiller announced the two-century-old museum’s closure due to a lack of funds on Sept. 1, just 29 days before the closing date. Many Philadelphia community members stood in solidarity against the decision as families came together to protest. 

Two long lines formed in front of both entrances as the crowd waited in the rain to go inside. Many family activities, including free face paint, live music, and chalk, were provided by the Save the Academy organization. Some people dressed in dinosaur costumes to show their support. Rally volunteers handed out flyers providing information about how to take action against the closing of the museum. One young volunteer, Sam Journey, handed out flyers while chanting, “Keep our museum open!” 

“Friends and families made a lot of memories here, and it’s been here for such a long time. That’s why [the museum] is so important,” said Journey. 

The Academy of Natural Sciences is the oldest natural history museum in America. Founded in 1812, the museum houses over 19 million different specimens, with over 250,000 titles in their archives dating back to the 1600s. On top of that, the academy holds 73,000 holotype specimens, which are specimens that help scientists define different species of plants and animals. The museum is also home to Thomas Jefferson and Lewis and Clark’s historical collections. With all these highly significant scientific and historic materials, it is one of the most important museums in the world of natural history. 

Drexel University formed an affiliation with the independent institution in 2011, promoting scientific research and education to its students in Drexel’s Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Sciences department, as well as the Philadelphia community. Drexel says that due to the economic resources it takes to keep the museum, and the lack of visitors it has received since the pandemic, the closure will help the university stay financially sustainable. Drexel plans to relocate the historical artifacts and specimens to Drexel’s campus just less than two miles away. According to some scientists, this could be a very risky and expensive transition that could result in damage to the artifacts. 

Academy employees were not notified of the closing before the public announcement. Part-time science communicator Tracy Brooks described her experience. “I actually saw [the announcement] on social media before I heard anything from Drexel,” said Brooks. “I’ve been at the museum for 14 years. The museum feels like a second home to me… It’s heartbreaking, and it could have been prevented. No one benefited from this.” 

Another rally volunteer, Suzan Ryan, explained the importance of this museum. “Museums are for all people, and once you close a museum, you close minds,” said Ryan. “It is important to tell people how important science is, how important education is. We believe in handing from one generation to the next information, education, and knowledge.” 

Many people—not just in Philadelphia but across the country—expressed their feelings about the closure. Popular YouTuber and science communicator Milo Rossi, also known as Miniminuteman, posted a Sept. 23 video titled “The Plan To Destroy America’s Oldest Natural History Museum.” In the video, Rossi explained the importance of the museum and interviewed other scientists. 

Mattison Shreero, a natural scientist interviewed in the video, commented on the subject. “The broader implications of this on educating children on science, and natural history specifically. I feel as though we are walking down a very scary path where people are going to and have already been not connecting with the planet as much and not connecting with nature as much.” 

Other local Philadelphia online influencers promoted the family rally as well as their concerns on the topic, including Philly influencer Santiago Ortiz-Landazabal, more commonly known by his handle “noshortsusa.” Ortiz-Landazabal posted a video on social media urging the Philadelphia community to come together for the museum’s last weekend. “Just make it a big tailgate,” said Ortiz-Landazabal. “Bring food, bring drinks, bring signs.” 

The museum has been a major cornerstone for Philadelphia science education. Families that grew up in the Philadelphia region have shared experiences of field trips or family day trips to this museum. During the rally, many people shared their memories of summer camp experiences and childhood memories. “I used to come here a lot when I was little,” said Philadelphia local, Jason Kuhn. “It’s a shame,” he said. 

Inside the museum, hundreds of people crowded around the displays, getting their last looks. The “Outside In” children’s interactive exhibit was covered floor to ceiling in colorful note cards with statements written by visitors asking Drexel to keep the museum open and displaying their feelings of remorse. 

“We come here a lot,” said one mother, Emily Romic. “We’ve come here ever since she was 2,” said Romic, referring to her daughter. The family said they came to show their support for the museum and to see it one last time before it closes. 

The William Penn Foundation offered Drexel money to keep the Academy’s doors open for at least another year, but there was no formal financial agreement. Drexel has also turned down other donation offers, saying the money wouldn’t provide sustainable funding. 

Meanwhile, Philadelphia community members are pushing back online to try and stop the permanent closure. People across the area have been sharing and signing a petition asking Drexel to keep the doors open. Organizers with Save the Academy have also put resources on their website, including links to the petition and contact info for Drexel President Merlo, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, and city council members. 

Pictures by Gryphon Pruett-Saratan