PalaeoAmber

09/21/2026

Day 9 recap is here!

Took me a few hours to edit this (mainly because of taking breaks to hang with my bird who needed allllll the attention). I hope you enjoy this ~3 min video!

And don’t you worry… all of the footage I’ve taken will be uploaded to my YouTube channel at normal speeds so you can just enjoy walking through the chaos. I’m also planning to do a bunch of filming this week walking through all the exhibits while the museum is empty.

We had over 17,100 people this weekend! That’s an average of over 5,700 a day! No wonder I am exhausted 🤪

I also met so many of you this weekend. Thanks for saying hello, giving me notes and gifts, or even just a hug and word of encouragement and advice. It’s been so rough on all of us; and I hope all this ends up making a difference and saving this place. I still cannot fathom how it’s possible to close the oldest natural history museum in the western hemisphere… during the 250th anniversary… and while an indigenous exhibit is premiering! Can we become a National Historic Landmark?!

• All of America’s science museums were inspired by the Academy of Natural Sciences.

• The first ever dinosaur was mounted on display here in 1868. We have 73,000 type specimens.

• A fish caught by Ernest Hemingway.

• Edgar Allan Poe used to come hang out at ANSP.

• We have a bird that Charles Darwin collected!

• 007 was inspired by James Bond (ANSP Ornithologist)!

• We have Thomas Jefferson’s fossils from Big Bone Lick.

• DO I NEED TO CONTINUE?!

Everything we’ve worked on for over 200+ years is now at risk of the unknown, and it absolutely terrifies me.

09/21/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out this weekend to see us at The Academy of Natural Sciences!!!!

One of the busiest weekends yet. I’m exhausted 🤪

I met so many of you and it warms my heart to have everyone coming out (even multiple times) to show support, share memories, and chat with me and my colleagues.

I know I have a ton of comments and messages to get to, and I will do that soon! Right now I’m just laying here processing all of this.

For now, enjoy these 10+ year old photos I found 💜

09/20/2026

09/19/2026

DAY 8 IS POPPIN!

I have no time to write a long post. It’s crazy and swamped and awesome! The Philly is showing up and showing love for the oldest natural history museum in the western hemisphere: The Academy of Natural Sciences! Let’s gooooooooo!!!

09/18/2026

Let’s goooooooo!! It’s Day 7 and lines are out the door to support the oldest natural history museum in the western hemisphere that lives right here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!

Gonna be a crazy day here again at the Academy of Natural Sciences :D we haven’t even been open an hour and I’ve helped assist with a tour of our mineral vault, film, prep for the palaeo show, and make coffee.

If you see me rushing by, please say hello! My brain is frazzled, but I’m always so happy to chat :)

09/17/2026

🦕 DINOS AFTER DARK
📅 Friday September 18, 2026
🕟 5-8pm / 17:00-20:00
🏛️ The Academy of Natural Sciences
🌃 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I cannot believe we are already at the event horizon with Dinos After Dark. We just have TWO WEEKS LEFT and by that I mean 6 DAYS LEFT since we’re only open Fri-Sun. We need to make this the best one we’ve ever done!!!

What to expect during our last DAD:

• Large crowds. Our pay-what-you-wish evening event is usually a big turnout, but with the museum in the news and the spotlight on the oldest natural history museum in the western hemisphere (!!!!), I’m expecting record breaking numbers! Please be understanding that this is such a difficult time for all of us, and everyone wants to come party!

• Heat. With thousands pouring into the museum every day we are open, that generates a ton of heat (oh hey there, fellow endothermic beings!) - and scientifically - our 150+ building can only handle so much! Please also be mindful and understanding of the situation. Bring a portable fan if you have one! The auditorium tends to be on the cooler side, but I ask you to please stay off the stage as I’ll be in an out doing palaeontology presentations and maybe even a live animal show!

• Food (Museum). The wonderful Lula's Empanadas will be serving up some great food in our cafe! I’m hoping to grab a guava/fig/brie if they have them! There are also vending machines with various snacks and drinks in the cafe. Oh! And I heard the b**r garden in Dino Hall will be back too 👀

• Food (Philly). Maybe you’re looking to grab a bite to eat or drink before the event. Maybe even a break during DAD, or perhaps continuing the party elsewhere. Philly has so many great places to eat and drink. There are some great places right around the corner from the museum I’d recommend throughout the day: , , , , , , , , and all the options at . Just be sure to check their hours as some close before 5pm.

❓Have other questions?! Let me know in the comments❗️

09/17/2026