The Academy of Natural Sciences museum is set to close its doors to the public in a week. But as soon as Drexel University announced plans earlier this month to close the museum and move its archives to the university, a coalition of scientists, museum professionals, and supporters formed the Save the Academy Coalition in an effort to push for more information, and find solutions to keep the museum open. Museum Council of Greater Philadelphia president Alex Palma joins us to discuss the situation.
Campbell Simmons
Campbell is an environmental justice advocate and poet who’s lived in Philly since 2021. Campbell is deeply invested in fighting barriers to accessing the outdoors for marginalized communities and cultivating equitable climate resilience solutions.
At heart, Campbell is a storyteller and believes community voice should be the heart of journalism.
Posted inPodcast Episodes
September 20, 2026 (Around the Block)
This episode features stories from reporters Milan Parker and Alisha Miranda about how communities are stepping up to fill a gap left by the small number of Philadelphia schools staffed by professional librarians, and a look a the history of Philadelphia’s iconic Bellevue hotel. We also speak with Alexa Palma about the Save the Academy Movement that has arisen since Drexel University announced it would close the Academy of Natural Sciences, effective September 27th. Alex Palma is an archivist, lecturer and grants consultant in the Philadelphia area. He is president of the Museum Council of Greater Philadelphia and an ally of the Save The Academy coalition.