Drexel University Closes Philadelphia's 200 Yr Old Academy of Natural Sciences

Beege Welborn

This is unconscionable. No notice to fundraise and save any of the treasures, like Lewis and Clark's samples, which were sent back from the expedition. It's not just dinosaurs.

The Academy of Natural Sciences will close its Parkway museum at the end of the month, ending a nearly 200-year run as a destination for generations of visitors.

The museum, founded in 1812 and opened to the public in 1828, has long been a fixture for families, students and educators.

News of the closure left many visitors disappointed as they reflected on memories made inside the institution's galleries and exhibits.

"I think it's a loss to Philadelphia," said Marcia Halbert of Germantown.

Halbert, 97, said she visited the museum with her children and brought students there during her career as a teacher.

This is as underhanded as can be. And tragic.