American Philosophical Society (APS) Museum

Founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin, the American Philosophical Society is the oldest learned society in the United States, dedicated to promoting useful knowledge. Over its nearly three-century history, the Society has amassed an impressive collection of 2.5 miles of manuscripts and around one million rare books, prints, photographs, and various artifacts, including scientific instruments and Native American language recordings. In 2001, the APS unveiled its Museum gallery in Philosophical Hall, which has served as its home since 1789, featuring rotating exhibitions that showcase remarkable items from its Library. Previous displays have included significant historical documents and artifacts, such as Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence and Neil Armstrong's notes from the Apollo 11 mission.