IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 17, 1999
Contact: HEATHER SCHULTZ, 215/299-1066, [email protected]
THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANT TO PRESERVE LEWIS AND CLARK PLANTS
PHILADELPHIA-The Academy of Natural Sciences today announced the receipt of a $148,779 grant from the federal government's Save America's Treasures program to preserve its priceless collection of plant specimens from the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
The Academy's Lewis and Clark Herbarium houses 226 sheets of plant specimens from the famous journey between 1804 and 1806 to search for a water route between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean. This suite of plants represents the finest remaining scientific collection from this chapter of American history. The herbarium boasts 173 plant species, 55 of which are "types" or a first specimen named to represent the species. The specimens are important not only for their historic value, but also for their contributions to the scientific community. Samples from some of the specimen sheets are being examined by botanists studying plant genetics, while molecular data from the tissues of others are being scrutinized by scientists attempting to reconstruct the atmospheric conditions of the pre-industrial American West.
The collection was rescued from the attic of the American Philosophical Society and deposited with the Academy in the 1890's and has remained here ever since. (More) Page 2 - The Academy of Natural Sciences
The federal grant money will be used to conserve the collection and to provide proper temperature and humidity controls in the storage facility. Senator Arlen Specter says, "I am pleased that the Academy of Natural Sciences received this award for its Lewis and Clark Herbarium. The money will help the Academy continue preserving significant and priceless pieces of American history."
The grant comes at an ideal time since the Academy is planning a bicentennial exhibition on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Dr. Paul A. Hanle, the Academy's President, says, "We are delighte that the White House recognizes the importance of natural specimens in our national heritage. This grant enables us to care for our collection so we can showcase the specimens in an upcoming exhibit. The exhibit will feature many of these irreplaceable specimens within the context of an interactive journey across America."
On May 18, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, announced the award of $30 million in federal grants to 62 sites and artifacts in 24 states, the District of Columbia and the Midway Islands. These 1999 Historic Preservation Fund grants to "Save America's Treasures" will help preserve the nation's heritage and culture for future generations.
In order to meet the requirements of the grant, the Academy must seek funding from corporate and private sources to match the awarded money.
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The Academy of Natural Sciences is located at 19th street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Logan Circle. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Admission is $8.50 for ages 13 and older, $7.75 for senior citizens and military personnel, $7.50 for children 3-12, and free to Academy members and children under 3. For 24-hour information, call 215/299-1000.
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