The Chicago Academy of Sciences was officially founded on January 13, 1857. That means we’re celebrating our 164th birthday this week! While we can’t celebrate this milestone in person with all of you, we’re excited to bring you a virtual three-party Founders Week celebration with activities, videos, and more.
Our institution was established by a group of nature aficionados and amateur scientists seeking a space where they could study and share the specimens they collected. Let’s keep learning about our scientists and collections.
First, we’re taking a closer look at our history and our collection with a little help from Dawn Roberts, senior director of collections, and the Chicago Collections Consortium. Click here to check out this special webinar recording. Then, keep diving into our history by checking out our interactive timeline here.
Get a closer look at our amazing natural history collections this Saturday by joining us for our first Curiosity Club session—Is it Real? A Collection Close Up. Young scientists can join us for a behind-the-scenes look at what’s in our natural history collection and learn why museums keep specimens. You can even enjoy free registration to this special Founders Week session by using promo code FOUNDERS at check out. Click here for more information.
Want an up-close look at some more recent collections pieces? Our archives intern, Alexandra, recently wrote a blog detailing some of her experiences working with former Academy director Dr. William Beecher’s personal manuscripts, illustrations, and more. Click here to check it out.
Join us for Tainted Knowledge: Reconciling the Scientific Field’s Problematic Past
How does one reflect on scientists who have made fundamental discoveries in their field through racist, sexist, colonialist practices? This question will guide our panelists from different scientific fields in a powerful conversation during Tainted Knowledge: Reconciling the Scientific Field’s Problematic Past. Join us Thursday, January 14, for this exciting discussion. Click here to RSVP.
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