Home»Families»11/8-9/2019 American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia

The American Philosophical Society was founded by Benjamin Franklin and others in Philadelphia in 1743, well before the Revolution. In those days, "philosophy" included natural philosophy, what we now call science: physics, chemistry, biology -- as well as geography, exploration, history, and many other areas of interest to the leading intellectuals of the Colonies. Today, the APS admits members from many fields, including science, social science, the arts, and philanthropy. They support scholars and investigations. Their headquarters and extensive historical library and archives are still in Philadelphia, next to Independence Hall.

Helen was elected to the APS in 2016. This year she was finally able to attend a meeting in Philadelphia and sign the book of members. It was a very interesting program, with leading speakers on varied subjects.

The first gallery shows the induction of several new members and some of the presentations. The next two galleries will be interesting only to a select few. Mona Jahan Bissell gave a prize lecture on Nov. 8; she requested that I post my photos of her presentation. The final gallery has a few more photos of Helen's induction, and the historical book of members begun by Benjamin Franklin.