American Philosophical Society

06/11/2026

Congratulations to actor, musician, and author John Lithgow (APS 2019) who recently took home his third Tony! Lithgow was the recipient of the 2026 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for "Giant," in which he stars as Roald Dahl. 🎭

https://bit.ly/49Ymz22

John Lithgow accepts the 2026 Tony Award for Best Performance by an...

06/11/2026

Congratulations to ocean conservationist and philanthropist Julie Packard (APS 2004), who was honored with the Ocean Hero award at the 2026 Peter Benchley Ocean Awards in recognition of her lifetime's work and dedication to ocean conservation.

06/10/2026

Leopard seals are having a moment online, but for ecobiologist Emily Sperou, they’re so much more than an internet curiosity. Tune in to the newest episode of the APS podcast Useful Knowledge to hear about her experience studying these elusive apex predators. Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! 🦭

🐟 Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4olv90J

06/10/2026

“Scientific activity is perpetual problem solving.”

Since 1743, APS Members have sustained its mission—speaking out with conviction that intellectual inquiry and critical thought are inherently in the best interest of the public. Check back weekly for their words of wisdom.

06/09/2026

The APS is an active learned society with Members across every discipline. This April, we inducted 23 Members to the Society, including these three Members in Class 1 (Mathematical and Physical Sciences): chemist Ewine van Dishoeck (Universiteit Leiden / Leiden University), mathematician Michael Harris (Columbia University), and organic chemist Egbert Willem Meijer (TU Eindhoven). As Members of the APS, they carry on a nearly 300-year tradition of spreading useful knowledge.

06/09/2026

On June 23, join the American Philosophical Society and the Museum of the American Revolution for an in-person conversation with virologist and physician Paul Offit about the efforts of Revolutionary-era physician Benjamin Rush to manage the treatment and spread of illnesses during the 18th century. Register now for free.

This conversation is part of “America’s Scientific Revolutionaries," a two-year initiative funded by the Richard Lounsbery Foundation highlighting the work of lesser-known scientists and physicians active during the Revolutionary era.

Join the American Philosophical Society and the Museum of the American Revolution for an in-person conversation with virologist and physician Paul Offit. Drawing on his own work on infectious diseases and his ongoing contributions to public health advocacy and vaccine education, Offit will reflect o...

06/09/2026

APS Cataloger Laura Chilton works to make APS collections organized and accessible to researchers. This week’s blog post shares her experience cataloging the oldest running newspaper in America, The Connecticut Courant.

Read the full blog post here: https://bit.ly/3PZFuCO

06/08/2026

As we step into the minds of America’s founders ahead of America’s 250th, this Meeting Monday discusses one of the early influences on our economic system, 18th century moral philosopher Adam Smith. But was he just an economist, or was he more? This talk comes from Glory M. Liu, Assistant Professor at Georgetown University. Liu accepted the APS 2025 Henry Allen Moe Prize in the Humanities for this talk and the book on which it was based.

Watch the full talk here: https://bit.ly/4ftvWdE

06/05/2026

In 2026, the APS will see a total of 47 onsite Fellows, providing them the time, resources, and funding to work on their research. Hear what Jackie Beatty of York College of Pennsylvania worked on during her time at the APS!

06/05/2026

Next week, Michael Auslin will discuss his new book, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America, with Patrick Spero, CEO of the APS, at the National Archives Foundation.

Can’t make it to the National Archives? Join the APS and Michael Auslin for a talk on his book on August 19: https://www.amphilsoc.org/events/national-treasure-how-declaration-independence-made-america

Join us for a lively conversation about the inspiring story of the Declaration of Independence. Dr. Michael Auslin will discuss […]