🏛️ ANOTHER NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM IS CLOSING.https://www.inquirer.com/education/academy-of-natural-sciences-closing-museum-philadelphia-20260901.htmlOn September 1, 2026, Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences announced that the Academy’s museum in Philadelphia will close at the end of September, ending nearly 200 years of public museum operations. The museum opened to the public in 1828.And honestly… this one hurts.In this episode of the Prehistoric Life Podcast, I talk about the closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, what it means for the natural history and paleontology community, and why I think this should be a wake-up call for all of us who care about museums.The Academy isn’t simply disappearing as a scientific institution. Its collections, research, and scientific mission will continue. The institution currently cares for more than 19 million biological specimens, fossils, archives, and other scientific resources, including more than 73,000 type specimens.But the public museum is closing.And that distinction matters.The Academy and Drexel have cited declining visitation, changes in audience behavior following the COVID-19 pandemic, and increasing operating costs as major factors behind the decision.In this episode, I discuss my frustration with the situation, including the larger challenges facing museums when funding becomes increasingly difficult and major academic institutions have to make difficult financial decisions.But I also want to look at our responsibility as museum visitors.Because here’s the uncomfortable truth:If we don’t support our museums, we can’t expect them to survive.If you have a natural history museum in your city—GO VISIT IT.If there’s a small paleontology museum nearby—GO VISIT IT.Buy a ticket.Become a member.Buy something from the gift shop.Donate if you can.Bring your kids.Bring your friends.Share their posts.Tell people about them.Don’t wait until the museum announces that it’s closing to suddenly realize how much it meant to you.And most importantly, if you are able to visit the Academy of Natural Sciences before the closure, please go.The museum’s regular public hours are scheduled to end September 27, with the institution’s announcement stating that the museum itself will close September 30.🦖 Dinosaur museums.🦴 Natural history museums.🌎 Science museums.🏛️ Local museums.They need us.This episode isn’t meant to attack the people working at the Academy or pretend that there is one simple explanation for an incredibly complicated financial situation.It’s a rallying cry.Support your local museum before you lose it.Because every museum that closes means fewer places where the next generation can discover dinosaurs, fossils, geology, biology, evolution, and the incredible history of our planet.And as someone who dreams of someday creating a natural history museum of my own, this hits especially close to home.🎙️ Prehistoric Life PodcastExploring the past. Discovering the science. Bringing prehistoric life to you.🏛️ Support the Academy of Natural Sciences:Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel UniversityIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who loves museums.And then go visit one.
The Academy of Natural Sciences Is Closing | Support Your Local Museums
