iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Sharon of the Strange Times @sharonahill.bsky.social · 1h

I started a new podcast! It should show up on podcast apps soon, or listen via: sharonahill.substack.com/podcast

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Thomas R. Holtz, Jr. @arctomet.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

My message to the Drexel (and ANSP!) administrators who were ashamed that the Academy was perceived as "Philly's Dinosaur Museum":

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Skype a Scientist @skypeascientist.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

We at Skype a Scientist are deeply troubled by the closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences. We urge you to contact Drexel University Leadership and Academy interim leader Trish Wellenbach to urge them to reopen the museum. President Merlo president@Drexel.edu Trish Wellenbach tw958@drexel.edu

a block of text with a statement that reads We at Skype a Scientist are deeply alarmed by the decision of Drexel University leadership and the Academy of Natural Sciences Board to close the Academy’s public museum.

Skype a Scientist is based in Philadelphia with deep roots in our city. Making science accessible, in particular for Philly’s children, is a top priority for our organization. We operate in community centers, at street festivals, and at the intersection of science and art. For the last 10 years, we have worked to engage a broader coalition of Philly residents to care for our local biodiversity.

Our program does not exist in a vacuum. The work that we do, alongside environmental education centers, our museums, classroom teachers, and more, create an ecosystem of connections with science. The loss of any part of this fragile ecosystem is detrimental. The Academy of Natural Sciences grounds biodiversity education in Philadelphia. With grand fossil halls, historical connections, and engaging exhibits, it is a place where many Philadelphians develop a love of science. Loss of access to this space cannot be tolerated.

We are living through an erosion of public education, particularly in the life sciences. Philadelphia cannot afford to lose our flagship biodiversity museum.

We call on the leaders of Drexel University and the Academy board to reverse their decision to close the Academy’s public museum. The children of Philadelphia and future generations of Philly-made scientists are counting on you.

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Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

If you are part of an academic society or a professor of any kind, public statements that you do not condone Drexel cutting off the academy of natural sciences from the public of Philadelphia is very important right now. We need your voices. Urgently.

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Bill Rulon-Miller @reptiledude.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Happy #FossilFriday from the remains of this Moa. Save ANSP!

The leg, hip, foot bones, and several vertebrae of Dinornis maximus, the giant Moa. The Giant Moa was the tallest known Avian (modern birds and all those more closely related to them than to other Theropods) reaching almost 12 feet (3.6 meters) in height and weighing over 500 pounds. They were unable to adapt to humans and other mammals arriving to Aotearoa and became extinct roughly 700 years ago due pressure from hunting, competition, and nest predation.

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Kevin Sievers @diplotomodon.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

-Volunteer coordinator terminated -Full-time curators down from 11 to 5 -Social media channels being wiped -City Council hearings begin next week #savetheacademy

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Kevin Sievers @diplotomodon.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Who Would Win: 50+ years of embracing the "dinosaur museum" moniker, or nine years of this guy

Former Academy of Natural Sciences president and CEO Scott Cooper in a cravat(?) attempting to play a game of Operation

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Jamie Lewis @drjamielewis.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Nice to top this list of one of the best ‘cryptozoology’ books of last year www.cryptozoonews.com/topczbks2025/

cryptozoonews.com

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Kevin Sievers @diplotomodon.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Until it is accompanied by an actual plan, concrete action, transparency, and a process that meaningfully incorporates public input we see no reason to treat the University’s statements as evidence that any of the underlying problems have been or will be resolved. save-the-academy.org/statement.html

save-the-academy.org

Save the Academy Coalition statement, October 1, 2026

We refuse closure. Secure a year of bridge funding, appoint an independent commission, and give the public a real role in the Academy’s future.

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Tess Gallagher @tessasaurus.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

drexel wants you to think the academy closed because of declining attendance. And yet, they purposefully wanted to push themselves away from being the "dinosaur museum" in philadelphia, and cut programs like the live animal exhibits to appeal to adults......

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Sharon of the Strange Times @sharonahill.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I spoke with Devon while she was working on this book. It's one of only a few books that frames them as the Pop #cryptids that they really are. Spokane-raised Author Devon Kelley has new PNW cryptid book www.inlander.com/culture/spok...

inlander.com

Spokane-raised Author Devon Kelley brings new PNW cryptid book to Auntie’s

At the edge of the forest near Mount St. Helens, the wind may carry the ghoulish howls of something lurking in the shadows. Mysteriously large footprints hidden within the brush

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Kevin Sievers @diplotomodon.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

"We have not received a formal proposal with a defined level of financial support" even though we've been handed a blank check for a full year www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/n...

dril tweet: Hello Drexel this is your lawyer speaking. I am advising you today to please keep posting this shit

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Darren Naish @tetzoo.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

In 1856/57 a man visited Richard Owen at his office with "a stuffed platypus and a Hertfordshire countryman who swore that he had taken the animal alive from a local pond". Owen charged the man with gross deceit and was glad to make him "slink away, evidently ashamed of himself".

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Kevin Sievers @diplotomodon.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

JOB'S NOT DONE Surprise Drexel board meeting in Old City tonight. The Academy of Natural Sciences is following them there. Constitution Center, 525 Arch St, Philadelphia PA, TODAY (Sept. 29) at 4:30pm @savetheacademy.bsky.social

EMERGENCY PROTEST TODAY
DEMAND DREXEL DISAFFILIATE
Constitution Center
525 Arch St
Tuesday Sept. 29
4:30pm-6:30pm

ft. Chris DiPiazza's excellent Pachycephalosaurus

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Ausarchosaur @ausarchosaur.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

There is apparently an emergency protest today at the Constitution Center (525 Arch St) against Drexel. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it, but if you're nearby and CAN make it on such short notice, I encourage you to go. Objective: detach Drexel from the ANSP.

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Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

🚨🚨Emergency protest🚨🚨 The Drexel board will be at the constitution center in Old City (525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106) from 5-6. We're asking Drexel to disaffiliate from the Academy of Nat Sci to allow them to negotiate what's best for them w/o Drexel interference. Be there.

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Thomas Cullen @thomascullen.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

With all the news of museums being closed and/or defunded, I feel the message of our paper on the importance of natural history research (and the collections housing those specimens) is just as relevant (or more) today as it was when it was published. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....

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Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The headlines have hope, you know? I think that matters. Drexel wants us to think it's over, and the city of Philadelphia is calling bullshit. It's something we're good at. www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/a...

nbcphiladelphia.com

Academy of Natural Sciences closes its doors, but it may not be gone forever

Visitors lined up for what could be their final trip to the Academy as supporters urged Drexel to accept a funding offer.

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Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The press coverage of the Academy of Natural Sciences has gone from "Oh how sad" to sounding like a hostage negotiation. Which maybe sounds bad, but elected leaders, the press, the people online, all saying "You don't have to do this, man" is better than mourning. share.inquirer.com/YTQg0s

share.inquirer.com

Philadelphia shouldn’t give up on the Academy of Natural Sciences’ historic museum | Editorial

The Academy's 150-year-old building faces roughly $150 million in deferred maintenance costs. While that may seem daunting, it is not insurmountable.

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Entomological Collections Network @entcollnet.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

#SaveTheAcademy Our position in regard to the resolution about the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia. This issue deeply affects our community, with many members having visited or worked closely with the academy over the years. We stand with @savetheacademy.bsky.social

The Entomological Collections Network is a society dedicated to uplifting natural history collections around the globe. We are deeply affected by the sudden announcement to close the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University Museum, which is the oldest natural history museum in all the Americas. We stand behind the critical importance of not only safeguarding research collections for scientific use but also making outreach and educational displays that are available to all. At its core, a museum is a bridge to the community connection with the collections. And this connection is perhaps more important now than ever because of the continual threats to biodiversity around the globe and rising documented disconnect between the public and nature. It is through this institution and so many like it that we all can spark wonder and cultivate joy in the natural world, for an untold number of people of all ages and walks of life.

Shuttering a museum that provides a tangible connection to the natural world sends a shocking statement about what priorities are being set with regards to education and caring for the community in which we live. Although Drexel has expressed its intention to retain the research collection, it has presented no plan for the monumental task of safely moving their more than 19 million specimens and establishing a suitable facility to house it. As a Society we urge the City of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, and Drexel University to do what is best for the Academy of Natural Sciences’ collections, research, and public museum by exploring any creative avenue to ensure that this center of education and exploration can continue to inspire for generations.

From the Governing Board of the Entomological Collections Network
Isa Betancourt
Patrick Gorring
Adam Haberski
Andrew Johnston
Oliver Keller
Pete Oboyski
Ashleigh Whiffin
Jack Whisenant
Chris Wirth

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Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Today was incredible. The fight to save the academy of natural sciences is far from Over

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Chris Widga @widga.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Although I can't be with those of you who are out in the rain advocating for your museum today...I thought I might be a good idea to post some Academy of Natural Sciences fossils to keep you warm and dry on the inside. @savetheacademy.bsky.social

An ammonite scultpure outside the side entrance of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.

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Heather Kostick @heatherkostick.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

As more information emerges, it’s seeming like intentional financial mismanagement from Drexel. They must be held accountable.

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Lana J. Pratt @lanajpratt.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

My unfinished contribution to the ANSP #paleostream I've been very privileged to grow up with and later contribute to the Academy, it is a second home and fundamentally responsible for me as a person. To close it is to kneecap the future, erase the past, and cripple our heritage... #savetheacademy

Hadrosaurus, colored. Not a fan of this one but oh well

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Senator Nikil Saval @pasenatorsaval.com · 26/09/2026

My letter to Drexel and the Academy of Natural Sciences Board. The museum is of incalculable value to our region and to international scientific and cultural fields. Philadelphia bears a serious responsibility to do everything we can to preserve it at its current location.

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Cringe Fry @cringefry.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I got to see the Academy of Natural Sciences today. It made me even more excited to pursue a career in field research or specimen collection My ecology professor started his career here. 200+ years of history. Lets fight to keep it alive #SaveTheAcademy @savetheacademy.bsky.social

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lighthouse prince @historiancole.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Outside In, the hands-on exhibit space at the academy of natural sciences, is absolutely COVERED with notes from visitors of all ages thanking the staff & wishing them luck for the future.

the staple exhibit tree and a wall of Outside In, covered in multi-colored pieces of paper, notes from visitors

a green note with a red-eyed tree frog drawing on it that says "Save the museum" signed "EP <3"

a yellow note with a sauropod drawn on it that says "diploDONT let it close-asaurus"

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Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

A good read on the the state of the academy as it stands today. We're in a pivotal moment right now. The academy board must accept the bridge funding or find another way to keep the museum open immediately. neighborhoodfundamentals.substack.com/p/the-academ...

neighborhoodfundamentals.substack.com

The Academy Has an Offer. Does It Have the Authority to Take It?

A year of funding is on the table. What's unresolved is who actually gets to decide.

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Tess Gallagher @tessasaurus.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Artwork from me and @chrisdipiazza.bsky.social made an appearance outside the academy today!

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PaleoJim @paleojim.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Tell Trish Wellenbach why the nation needs the Philidephia Academy of Natural Sciences. As the 1dt Natural History museum in the western hemisphere it should be a National Monument perhaps formally tied to the Smithsonian. Tw958@drexel.edu @standupforscience.net @scifri.bsky.social

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Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Um. The William Penn foundation offered bridge funding to keep the academy of natural sciences open for a year, and the people in charge said “no one is helping things by offering Band-Aids”. Jesus Christ. share.inquirer.com/KXxZTj

share.inquirer.com

William Penn Foundation offers funding to keep Academy of Natural Sciences museum open

A Drexel spokesperson did not say whether the school had declined the offer, but said, “No proposal has been presented that would provide a permanent, sustainable path forward" for the museum.

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Robert Boessenecker, Dr. of Whaleontology ™️ @coastalpaleo.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

#fossilfriday An example of why the ANSP and its collections must be saved. Atlantochelys mortoni, a giant protostegid sea turtle - named in 1849 by Agassiz based on the proximal humerus fragment. In 2012, someone found a large distal humerus that FIT ONTO THE SAME BONE in ANSP collections. 1/ 🦖🧪

The reunited humerus of the gigantic sea turtle Atlantochelys, on display in a museum: you can clearly see the break that happened sometime prior to the 19th century.

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Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Add an anecdote if you can, and finish with saying that you do not want the public facing museum to close. Send to tw958@drexel.edu We heard FROM HER that this is important. Now get typing!!

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Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

If you care about keeping the Academy of Natural Sciences open to the public in Philadelphia, I need you to read and share this thread. Trish Wellenbach was sent from the mayor's office to oversee the Academy of Natural sciences situation. She needs to hear from us. Here comes the action item:

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Kevin Sievers @diplotomodon.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

It's #FossilFriday, and indeed the final scheduled Friday that the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia is open to the public, potentially forever. So it's finally time to, once again, talk about Haddy — and bring it all full circle. Strap in, it's a big one.

A heavily retouched photograph (c. 1870?) of the mounted skeleton of Hadrosaurus foulkii inside the Academy's old building at the corner of Broad & Sansom Sts (in fact, the only known photograph of this building's interior). A man stands under the skeleton, identity unknown

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Kevin Sievers @diplotomodon.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

From the great minds in the world-renowned Department of Malacology at the Academy of Natural Sciences:

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Joschua Knüppe @joschuaknuppe.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Join us to draw Hadrosaurus and talk the Academy of Natural Sciences! #Paleostream! www.twitch.tv/paleostream

twitch.tv

paleostream - Live on Twitch

#Paleostream! | Streaming art.

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Brittney Elizabeth Stoneburg @brittandbone.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

You cannot run a museum like a business. Opening a museum is a quick way to lose a lot of money; but it's a great way to invest in scientific research and education in your community. But as long as museums, desperate for money and attendance, keep cosplaying as businesses, we'll lose more of them.

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Brittney Elizabeth Stoneburg @brittandbone.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

IMO, there's still a huge disconnect between how the public perceives natural history museums and the prestige surrounding them, and the actual economics of sustaining them.

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Brittney Elizabeth Stoneburg @brittandbone.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I've worked for a natural history museum for 11 years at this point (man, yikes) and while it is sad, it isn't surprising to see two major institutions facing closure this year.

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Kevin Sievers @diplotomodon.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Did someone say it's #WorldGorillaDay? The Academy of Natural Sciences' western lowland gorilla diorama is the only one of its kind in the world — other dioramas either use mountain gorillas or zoo specimens. Du Chaillu's original expedition was also sponsored by the Academy.

A diorama of three western lowland gorillas in the central African rainforest. The lone adult male is standing up, gripping a tree branch with its arm outstretched

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Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D. @sarahmackattack.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Good morning, team. We have 3.5 days until Drexel closes the Academy of Natural Sciences. It’s time for you- yeah YOU- to make some calls. Step 1: Tell the following people we need help pressuring Drexel to keep the museum open: Josh Shaprio 717-787-2500 Mayor Parker's 215-686-2181

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