The Delaware County Institute of Science
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History and Purpose | ||||||||||||||||
| The Delaware County Institute of Science was formed on September 21, 1833 as an association at first of only five individuals; namely George Miller, Minshall Painter, John Miller, George Smith, M.D., and John Cassin. These friends were interested in sciences and natural history.
When membership increased it became necessary for the Institute to obtain real estate and an application was made to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for corporate privileges, which were granted on the 8th of February, 1836. A "hall of modest pretensions was built in Upper Providence in 1837 at which the members continued to hold their meetings until after the middle of the 1800's" (From George Smith's "History of Delaware County, published by this Institute in 1862.) In 1850 when Media was incorporated as a borough and also became the seat of government for Delaware County, it seemed wise to move the institute to that town, and to be nearer public transportation. Minshall painter obtained and presented to the organization the grounds on which the present building stands. The building was constructed in 1867. As before "The object of the association was to promote the study and diffusion of general knowledge and the establishment of a museum. And to serve as a non-profit organization for the people of Delaware County and adjoining areas."
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Activities | ||||||||||||||||
| A monthly lecture program is prepared for each winter season, October through May. Well-known and qualified persons are invited to present subjects of scientific, technological or nature interest. An annual field trip relating usually to the natural sciences is conducted for members and friends. The areas visited include mineral locations, arboretums, wildlife sanctuaries aor other places having notable natural science attractions.
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The Library | ||||||||||||||||
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The Library of the Institute houses several thousand books and other publications on the Natural Sciences. Many of these are period classics by authors who have been subsequently recognized widely for their scientific contributions.
The Library includes numerous volumes of local significance and highlights a large 19th century series realting to Pennsylvania. Copies of the "Proceedings of the Delaware County Institute of Science" from the early 1900's are indexed and available for a small charge.
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The Museum and Exhibits | ||||||||||||||||
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The museum exhibits mounted birds and animals; an herbarium of Delaware County plants; fossils, shells, and corals from over the world; a microscope collection; and miscellaneous other collections, that are also available for study.
The displays and research collections of minerals include many from famous localities in the area. The museum also houses the original plate blocks used to print Dr. Samuel Gordon's 1922 "Mineralogy Of Pennsylvania." Additionally, specimens brought from the mineral prospects of the West by members of the Delaware County Institute of Science during the 1800's can be viewed and studied.
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Membership | ||||||||||||||||
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Membership is open to all individuals and organizations interested in the aims and activities of the Institute.
* An Honorary membership is bestowed by the Institute upon members and others who have made outstanding contributions in the field of science, technology, or nature.
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The Officers | ||||||||||||||||
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Past Presidents | ||||||||||||||||
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George Smith, M.D.
Hon. John M. Broomall T. Chalkley Palmer George Pennock Carolus Broomall Walter Palmer Harold W. Arndt Russell J. Emmons William Blake Gibson, M.D.
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Hours | ||||||||||||||||
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The Institute is open, admission free, Mondays, Thursdays, and most Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., excluding holidays.
Saturday mornings the Institute welcomes, in particular, students, researchers, and scout groups. Arrangements for group tours may be made by writing to or calling the Institute.
610-566-5126
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Location | ||||||||||||||||
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11 Veterans Square, Media, Pennsylvania
The Institute may be reached by SEPTA trolley line from the 69th Street Terminal. Leave the trolley at Veterans Square, and proceed north 1/2 block. If using the SEPTA railroad, get off at the Media Station, and proceed north on Orange Street to State Street, go east one block to Veterans Square, then turn north on Veterans Square 1/2 block. Busses from Chester are available at irregular intervals. By highway, Media is close to U.S. Route 1, exit 2 of Interstate 476 (the Blue Route), Pennsylvania Route 352 and Pennsylvania Route 252. The Institute is located in the center of Media near the county court house building. The lecture hall is on the second floor of the Institute.
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