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Meetings of the American Philosophical Society are held biannually in Philadelphia with attendance at each, including Society members, their spouses and distinguished guests, approaching 350.

Remaining true to Franklin's idea of "promoting useful knowledge," papers and symposia are diverse in content and address both the theoretical and practical in the sciences, arts and humanities.

A typical three-day session might include one symposium on the diffusion of knowledge in the digital age and another on healthcare reform. Papers, given both by members and non-members, are equally diverse, with topics ranging from underwater archaeology off Turkey to the role of music in politics, funerals in the ancient world, and the prehistory of silicon electronics.

Society meetings are open to the public and attract participants from the academic and intellectual communities as well as the professions. Preregistration is required and inquires should be directed to westcott [at] amphilsoc [dot] org.

This eclectic mix produces a spirited dialogue among the participants, often without regard to academic discipline or professional affiliation. Informal discussions continue at dinner, during which the Society presents its various prizes and awards. Transcripts of papers and symposia are printed in the Society's Proceedings and may be obtained through the Publications office.

Information on becoming a Meeting Patron.

List of Members, 1743-1768