American Philosophical Society

The American Philosophical Society, the oldest learned society in the United States, was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purpose of “promoting useful knowledge.” In the 21st century we sustain this mission by support and promoting research and discovery through grants and fellowships, lectures, publications, prizes, exhibitions, and public education. The American Philosophical Society Library and Museum is an international center for research with specialties in the history of the sciences, early American history, Native American ethnography and linguistics, and digital innovation.