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About

The American Philosophical Society (APS), America’s foremost learned society, was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purpose of “promoting useful knowledge.” The APS sustains this mission today by honoring and engaging leading scholars, scientists, and civic and cultural leaders through elected membership and intellectual fellowship; supporting research and education through grants and fellowships, lectures, publications, and exhibitions; and serving scholars worldwide through an acclaimed research library. For more than 270 years, the APS has gathered and preserved renowned collections—including over 13 million manuscripts and other objects—that trace American history and science from the Colonial era to the digital age. The APS Museum, located next door to Independence Hall in Philadelphia’s historic district, shares the collections with visitors through exhibitions that explore history, art, and science. Public and educational programs interpret the themes and objects on view, linking them to relevant issues today. The APS also offers thematic online exhibitions drawn from the collections, such as the exhibition on Sarah Manning Vaughan featured here. You can discover more about the APS and find other online exhibitions at www.amphilsoc.org.