Atwater Kent Collection Digital Preview Now Available
Coming in 2022, Drexel University will provide online public access to the Atwater Kent Collection (of the former Philadelphia History Museum) through a searchable database. Meanwhile, here is a preview of 501 objects -- with examples in 42 different categories -- showing the range of this Collection. Check back later, here at philadelphiahistory.org, to explore the searchable database.
Second Hearing Court of Common Pleas, Orphans’ Court Division
On April 27 at 10:00am in City Hall Room 425 there will be a hearing on the Petition of the City of Philadelphia, By its Board of Trustees of the Atwater Kent Museum, Trustee, To Deviate From The Administrative Provisions of the Atwater Kent Museum Collection Trust and to Substitute Drexel University as the New Trustee of the Collection. Interested persons are urged to check this website regularly for any updates about the hearing. The documents related to the Atwater Kent Museum Testamentary Trust case are accessible to the public several ways. Please click the link above to see instructions to access the court documents for free.
The Proposed Atwater Kent Collection Transfer Agreement
Since closing the doors of the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent almost 4 years ago the Board of Trustees have worked with the City of Philadelphia and Drexel University to transfer the Collection and its trusteeship to Drexel University. The proposed transfer requires approval by the Court of Common Pleas, Orphans’ Court Division. If the Court approves the transfer, more Philadelphians and visitors will have in-person and digital access to the Collection than ever before. We invite you to review the proposed Atwater Kent Collection Transfer Agreement and submit any questions or comments about it by Monday, April 4, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Public Questions and Comments on the Proposed Atwater Kent Collection Transfer Agreement
The Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent (Museum) invited the public to review the proposed Atwater Kent Collection Transfer Agreement and submit any questions or comments about it by Monday, April 4, 2022. All comments and questions can be found by using the link above. The Trustees, City, and Drexel are in the process of reviewing and considering these questions and comments, and once the review is complete will provide a written response on philadelphiahistory.org.
Public Input: The Proposed Atwater Kent Collection Transfer Agreement
The Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent (Museum) are proud to have served as the stewards of the Atwater Kent Museum Collection of more than 133,000 artifacts reflecting 350 years of Philadelphia’s remarkable history. We invite you to review the proposed Atwater Kent Collection Transfer Agreement and submit any questions or comments about it by Monday, April 4, 2022, 5:00 p.m. All comments and questions will be reviewed and given consideration before the Trustees, City, and Drexel sign the agreement. The questions will also be compiled and responded to on philadelphiahistory.org.
Hearing Court of Common Pleas, Orphans’ Court Division
On February 28 at 10:00am in City Hall Room 425 there will be a hearing on the Petition of the City of Philadelphia, By its Board of Trustees of the Atwater Kent Museum, Trustee, To Deviate From The Administrative Provisions of the Atwater Kent Museum Collection Trust and to Substitute Drexel University as the New Trustee of the Collection. Interested persons are urged to check this website regularly for any updates about the hearing. The documents related to the Atwater Kent Museum Testamentary Trust case are accessible to the public several ways. Please click the link above to see instructions to access the court documents for free.
City of Philadelphia’s Orphans' Court Petition
Read the complete Petition of the City of Philadelphia, By its Board of Trustees of the Atwater Kent Museum, Trustee, To Deviate From The Administrative Provisions of the Atwater Kent Museum Collection Trust and to Substitute Drexel University as the New Trustee of the Collection.
The Collection Transfer Plan Update
The Board of Directors of the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent (Museum), the City of Philadelphia (City), and Drexel University (Drexel) are committed to a transparent process for the transfer of the care and ownership of the Museum’s collection from the City to Drexel. Despite the impact that COVID-19 has had on the efforts, many key activities have been accomplished and are described in this update.
The Collection Transfer Plan
The Collection Transfer Plan, to transfer the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent collection to Drexel University, has been finalized. On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent, Drexel University, and the City of Philadelphia, we would like to thank the more than 400 people for attending the public meetings and sharing your ideas and comments.
Public Meeting Presentation – September 2019
On Tuesday, September 10, 2019 the Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent held a second public meeting to share an update on plans for the future of Philadelphia's historic collection. Review the presentation and the transcript of questions and answers from the second public meeting.
Public Meeting Presentation – February 2019
On Wednesday, February 27, 2019 the Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent held a discussion about the future of the museum and the historic collection. Review the presentation, proposal comments, and questions asked and responses from presenters from the public meeting.
