The first Franklin medal was presented "under the direction of the President of the United States" to the Republic of France in 1906.From 1937 to 1983 the medal was given for especially noteworthy contributions to the APS.

1983
Whitfield J. Bell in appreciation of his distinguished service to the American Philosophical Society Held in Philadelphia for Promoting Useful Knowledge, as Librarian, 1966-80, and as its Executive Officer, 1977-83.

1982
Julia A. Noonan for 56 years of service to the Society.

1979
George W Corner on his 90th birthday, in appreciation of services to the Society.

1949
William E. Lingelbach for his Franklin Medal Lecture, "The Story of 'Philosophical Hall'.”

1947
Douglas S. Freeman for his Franklin Medal Lecture "Young Washington."

1945
Arthur H. Compton for his Franklin Medal Lecture "Atomic Energy as a Human Asset."

1943
James B. Conant for his Franklin Medal Lecture, "The Advancement of Learning in the United States in the Post-War World."

1941
Hugh S. Taylor for his Franklin Medal Lecture,  "Large Molecules through Atomic Spectacles."

1940
Edward S. Corwin for his Friday Evening Lecture, "Some Aspects of the Presidency."

1939
Eduard Benes for his Penrose Memorial Lecture, "Politics as Art and Science."

1937
William Lyon Phelps for his Evening Lecture, "Truth and Poetry."

From 1985 to 1991 the Franklin medal was the Society's highest award for the humanities and sciences.

1991
Lyman Spitzer in recognition of a most distinguished astrophysicist, who: guided the development of controlled thermonuclear fusion through seminal theoretical research; directed the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory where his Stellarator was invented, demonstrated, and inspired others; and helped initiate astronomical observations from space and convincingly demonstrated their effectiveness.

1990
James Bennett Pritchard in recognition of his unexcelled eminence in Archaeological research and literary scholarship on the Ancient Near East and his remarkable ability to disseminate useful knowledge to the scholarly world and the intelligent general reader.

Britton Chance. A monumental figure in biology and the medical sciences, whose unequalled productivity and energy have advanced, for more than half a century, the frontiers of basic research and clinical medicine.

Crawford H. Greenewalt in recognition of significant contributions to high pressure synthesis of ammonia, and to the miracles of technology which brought nylon to the market; of wide-ranging scientific accomplishments, in particular his study of the flight and habits of hummingbirds; and especially for his vital role in the development of nuclear energy.

1989
John Archibald Wheeler in recognition of major contributions in a variety of fields, including nuclear fission, cosmic ray physics, structure and transformations of atomic nuclei and elementary particles, and general relativity.

1988
Jonathan E. Rhoads
"Jonathan Evans Rhoads, surgeon, scientist, scholar, and educator, long-standing member of the Society and its recent President, we salute you. Your many achievements in surgery have led to important publications concerned with trauma, cancer nutrition, antibiotics. Particularly important in all of your accomplishments was intravenous hyperalimentation, developed by you and your colleagues over many years of research in the laboratory and the clinic. Accepted in general practice, this method permits feeding by vein to speed the healing of wounds and postsurgical recovery and to provide nutrition to patients unable to receive it by other means. In your writing and in the many positions of leadership you have held in professional societies, boards, and commissions, you have guided American surgery for four decades and more. At the same time, you made significant contributions to medical education, to college educations, and to public school education in the city of Philadelphia. Your values have expressed themselves fully in our Society where your scholarship, your wisdom and judgment, your wit, and your leadership have served us all so well and still continue to do so."

Sune Bergström in recognition of meritorious contributions to the science of medicine, which brought new insight concerning fundamental regulatory mechanisms in health, and the consequences of regulatory malfunctions, and for his perceptive grasp of the problems of world health and initiatives to ameliorate suffering on a global scale.

1987
Samuel Noah Kramer for his recovery of much of our early history that otherwise would have been lost and his relentless efforts to make widely known our debt to Sumer.

Otto Neugebauer. He has the distinction of virtually founding an entire field and method of study, pursuing it for some sixty years, and training, directly or indirectly, most of its students at the present time. His work is a landmark in the history of the exact sciences, and no scholar has contributed so extensively or profoundly to this important and difficult subject.

1986
Helen Brooke Taussig in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the understanding of congenital heart disease and the remediation of many forms of this disorder.

1985
Charles Brenton Huggins in recognition of his distinction in science and of his important contributions to human welfare. He has devoted his life to the study of cancer in man and in animals.

2018
Bryan Stevenson in recognition of his tireless advocacy on behalf of the most vulnerable in our society, from death row inmates to minors sentenced to life without parole; his pathbreaking efforts to combat racism and economic inequality in the criminal justice system as the director of the Equal Justice Initiative; his commitment to advancing the cause of truth and reconciliation by carefully documenting this nation's history of racial terror and lynchings as the founder of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice; and his dedication to educating and inspiring a new generation of lawyers as a Professor of Law at New York University.

2011
Arlin M. Adams in recognition of contributions to public life reflecting the best skills a lawyer can possess: leader of the bar, distinguished judge, public policy advocate, settler of disputes, generous donor of time and talent.

2006
John Hope Franklin. In recognition of his achievement as the first black American scholar to break triumphantly through the color barrier when he was appointed Chair of the Brooklyn College History Department in 1956, and in recognition of his pioneering role in rescuing African-American history from oblivion through seventy years of powerful scholarship and teaching, the American Philosophical Society salutes John Hope Franklin. His lifelong commitment to civil rights for all Americans, and his lifelong determination to combat racism in all of its ugly forms, has liberated us all.

2005
Sam Nunn
In recognition of

• his lifelong dedication to public service, first as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, then for 24 years as a U.S. Senator from Georgia, and now as Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, as a distinguished professor in The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and as chair of the board of trustees of the Center for Strategic and International Studies,
• his truly bipartisan commitment as U.S. Senator reflected in the landmark Department of Defense Reorganization Act, drafted with Senator Barry Goldwater, and the "Nunn-Lugar" Cooperative Threat Reduction Program which provides assistance to Russia and the former Soviet republics in securing and destroying their excess nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons,
• and, his tireless devotion and leadership in efforts to reduce the global threat from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

James D. Wolfensohn (presented in 2006)
In recognition of his strong and wise leadership as President of the World Bank for 10 years, 1995 to 2005. During his transforming Presidency, the World Bank firmly refocused on the war against global poverty as its primary mission:

• fought to beat back the HIV/AIDS pandemic and to improve the environment, education and health in developing countries,
• obtained debt reduction for 27 highly indebted poor countries,
• identified corruption as a major burden for the poor in developing countries and supported anticorruption programs in nearly 100 countries, and
• modernized and decentralized its own operations and made them more transparent and accessible.

And in recognition of his dedicated service in the most recent 12 months as Special Envoy in the Middle East to coordinate the Gaza Disengagement.

2003
Sandra Day O'Connor. In recognition of her lifelong commitment to public service, including service in all three branches of State government in her native Arizona and, now for nearly twenty-two years, membership on the Supreme Court of the United States, and In recognition of the trailblazing example she has set for others as the first woman Majority Leader of a State Senate and as the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, and In recognition of her contributions to the work of the Court in thoughtful and well-written opinions, and in recognition of her valuable participation in the efforts of American lawyers and judges to promote the rule of law in Central and Eastern Europe.

2002
Mary Robinson. Distinguished legal scholar; Professor of Law at Trinity College, Dublin Exemplary barrister; devoted to human rights; admired legislator, member of the Seanad Eireann Beloved President of the Republic of Ireland; dedicated international public servant; United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; tireless champion for the homeless, the dispossessed, and the oppressed. The American Philosophical Society salutes this daughter of Ireland and citizen of the world, and commends her unswerving devotion to human dignity and freedom.

2000
Nelson Mandela. Steadfast advocate of justice, Tireless champion of freedom; the American Philosophical Society salutes this son of a chief and father of a nation, and recognizes his extraordinary contribution, not only to the citizens of South Africa, but also to countless men and women in other lands; Who, as a prisoner of conscience for 28 years, so used his captivity to instruct and inspire others, that the prison in which he was confined has now become a symbol of courage and hope, and a place of pilgrimage; And who, as leader of his people and their first elected president, led the way to equality, improved education, housing and economic growth, with vision, determination, energy and magnanimity, achieving reconciliation and cooperation between long-standing adversaries. In awarding Nelson Mandela the Franklin Medal, the American Philosophical Society salutes this international statesman and applauds his consistency of purpose, his resolute courage, his generosity of spirit and his inspiring example.

1999
George Mitchell. In recognition of his distinguished service as United States Senator, Majority Leader of the Senate, and more recently, as trusted facilitator of the fragile dialogue that holds hope of bringing peace to Northern Ireland.

1998
Alan Greenspan. In recognition of his leadership and his work as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. Their wise formation and skillful execution of monetary policy has contributed significantly to the longest period of prosperity in the United States on record.

1997
William Scranton. In recognition of his leadership on the state, national and international level as a political leader who earned the respect of colleagues in both political parties, and his voice of reason guided important studies which revealed what troubled American society at home, and suggested paths toward greater amity among nations.

1996
Edmund N. Carpenter II. In recognition of his fine intellect and love of his profession, as a lawyer of distinction in the state of Delaware, and his many contributions in politics, government, education, and the arts represent an example for all in the exercise of the responsibilities of citizenship.

1995
William T. Golden exercised great leadership and wisdom during his successful campaign to make science policy a major consideration of government; his sage advice to U.S. presidents and his publications reinforced and broadened this basic contribution over many years; and his public service also encompasses effective support of education, the aged and infirm, and the environment.

1994
Linus Pauling promoted significant improvements in public health by revealing major insights into proteins, Sickle Cell Anemia, and nutrition, and this recipient of a Presidential Medal 'for exceptional conduct' became an effective spokesman for civil liberties, courageously opposed serious challenges to free speech and academic freedom, and campaigned against war as a means of solving conflicts. In recognition of an inspiring career which demonstrates the value of a brilliant mind, boundless energy, and extraordinary courage expended for the betterment of all.

1993
Walter H. Annenberg. With vision and energy, Walter H. Annenberg improved dissemination of knowledge through major publications, establishment of schools of communication, and promotion of public television; guided diplomatic relations with an important American ally; provided a distinguished art collection for public enjoyment; and promoted cultural, educational, and medical institutions.

1992
Thurgood Marshall. In recognition of Thurgood Marshall who used his formidable legal skills to end the evils of discrimination and bring about a society in which "equal protection of the laws" could be a reality; became one of our century's legal giants during twenty-four years on the Supreme Court where he played a crucial role in enforcing the Constitutional protections that distinguish our democracy; and established an enviable record of opinions supporting the rights of the less powerful and the less fortunate.

1989
Paul Mellon. With cultivated taste, discerning eye, and sound judgment, Paul Mellon has dedicated his life to the identification, preservation, presentation, and patronage of a wide array of achievements in the fine arts, history, literature, and philosophy, and thus become a model of a private man dedicated to public service.

1988
Thomas J. Watson, Jr. The forceful and dynamic leadership of Thomas J. Watson, Jr., has moved the IBM Corporation into the computer field and underlay the longest and most extraordinary growth in modern business history, and his insightful efforts have encouraged progress in reducing the threat of nuclear weapons to world peace.

Warren Earl Burger. The leadership role of Warren Burger has improved the administration of the Supreme Court and federal courts throughout the land, and his excellent presentation to the public of the problems confronting the judiciary as well as the importance of the Constitution have greatly benefited the United States.

1987
Margaret Thatcher's accomplishments have strengthened a vital western power by guiding Great Britain's economic recovery, by effectively asserting the nation's role in the international community, and by enhancing domestic stability as the first Prime Minister in modern British history elected to three consecutive terms.

2023
Martine A. Rothblatt, in recognition of her many transformative, diverse, singular scientific and public service contributions.

2018
Mary-Claire King in recognition of her numerous achievements in genetics.

2016
Thomas E. Starzl for transforming "human organ transplantation from science fiction to reliable treatment of fatal diseases, virtually changing medical practice."

2006
Eric R. Kandel. In recognition of his leadership in the study at the cellular and molecular levels of the biology of the mental processes, and especially the character of learning and memory. The American Philosophical Society salutes Eric Kandel for advancing the study of learning and memory - long the provinces of philosophy and psychology - into the "empirical language of biology."

2005
Hans A. Bethe. "In recognition of his role as

• A preeminent physicist of the twentieth century, whose productive research career has spanned eight decades.
• A pioneer in atomic physics, whose seminal work on stellar energy production earned him the 1967 Nobel Prize.
• A leader of the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos.
• A senior statesman of science and advisor to U.S. Presidents on atomic energy.
• A courageous critic of defense policy and passionate advocate of arms control.
• A beloved mentor to generations of Cornell physicists, whose efforts helped to transform the Cornell University Physics Department into one of the world's great centers of physics."

2004
Steven Weinberg. In recognition of his role as a leading architect of the electroweak theory of interactions, a theory that unites the weak and the electromagnetic forces of nature. This was the first such unification since Maxwell had shown in the nineteenth century that electricity and magnetism are manifestations of the same phenomenon. In recognition of his highly regarded textbooks, including Gravitation and Cosmology and The Quantum Theory of Fields (in 3 volumes); his books for the general audience, most notably The First Three Minutes; and his extensive writing on subjects of public interest, such as ballistic missile defense. The American Philosophical Society salutes Steven Weinberg, considered by many to be the preeminent theoretical physicist alive in the world today.

2003
Janet D. Rowley. In recognition of her discovery of chromosomal translocations associated with cancer and of the range of basic research and clinical applications her continuing work makes possible, from identifying the genetic alterations that cause cancer to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer; and in recognition also of her exemplary leadership and mentorship in the world of the biomedical sciences.

2002
Joshua Lederberg. Distinguished geneticist, youthful discoverer of genetic recombination in bacteria and co-discoverer of transduction, both laying foundations for advances in biotechnology; Pioneer in the use of computing and artificial intelligence in the pursuit of science; Eager teacher of basic science and eager student of the history and sociology of science; Exemplary president of the Rockefeller University; Uncompromising voice for the integrity of science and the ethics of truth-telling, relentless critic and compassionate colleague; Who marches to his own drumbeat. The American Philosophical Society salutes this wise and polymathic scientist, and commends his quiet and effective work for the control of biological weapons and the cause of world peace.

2001
Francis H. C. Crick and James D. Watson. In recognition of the determination of the structure of DNA in 1953. Their brilliant discovery is universally recognized as one of the seminal events in biology in the twentieth century. The structure elegantly explained how DNA could replicate with the utmost fidelity. Their work launched one of the most productive areas of biological science - molecular biology.

Alexander G. Bearn. In recognition of distinguished contributions as a physician and scientist, represented by his service as Stanton Griffis Distinguished Professor and Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Cornell University Medical College and Physician-in-Chief at the New York Hospital, as Senior Vice President for Medical and Scientific Affairs at Merck, Sharp and Dohme and as Editor of the American Journal of Medicine. The Society places on record its profound appreciation for his outstanding service, wise leadership and exemplary devotion to the life and work of the Society and its members. As Executive Officer, he revitalized the Society's meetings, instituted Mellon sabbatical fellowships in the humanities and social sciences, led the Society's gift support to record levels, created joint programs with scholarly societies in Sweden and the United Kingdom, oversaw the renovation of Philosophical Hall and the purchase of additional office space, launched a successful program of scientific exhibits, redefined the focus of the Society's publications and, not least, brought to these and all his dealings a warmth, grace and generosity of spirit which have enlivened and enriched the corporate life of the Society. In expressing its admiration and gratitude for Dr. Bearn's enlightened leadership, the Society also places on record its best wishes for a long and happy retirement and its anticipation of a long continuing association with him as one of the Society's most eminent members. It hereby awards to him its highest honor in recognition of his loyal and devoted service, and as a mark of the admiration, appreciation and affection of its members.

2000
William O. Baker. In recognition of a lifetime commitment to science and public service. His research has explored the complex relationship between molecular structure and physical properties of polymers. As director of research and development and as President of Bell Laboratories he inspired the research of countless scientists who became achievers of the highest merit. Deeply concerned with education, he has served with distinction on several state and national commissions, and contributed his wisdom to the field of philanthropy. As scientific advisor to a succession of Presidents of the United States, he has served his nation to an unparalleled degree.

1999
Frederick C. Robbins. In recognition of the discovery with his colleagues in 1949 that viruses could be grown in tissue culture. This work enabled the development of vaccines for poliomyelitis and measles and altered the field of virology for all time.

Philip A. Sharp. In recognition of his work on the biology of tumor viruses which led to his discovery that genes contain nonsense segments that are edited out by cells in the course of utilizing genetic information. This landmark achievement, known as RNA splicing, altered the course of molecular biology.

1998
Edward O. Wilson. In recognition of the great contributions this scientist has made through his research on ants to a better understanding of their societal relationships. Using exacting methods he has produced a new understanding of the processes which produce man's creative achievements by subjecting them to the rigorous analyses used in studying the physical and chemical characteristics of ants and other species.

1997
Herman H. Goldstine. In recognition of a central figure in the development of the first large-scale general purpose electronic digital computer, a gifted mathematician who co-founded the field of numerical analysis and created a mathematics group at IBM that became a world center for the mathematics of computation, and for thirteen years exercised vision and leadership of the nation's oldest and most prestigious learned society.

1996
Victor A. McKusick. In recognition of a great pioneer in the study of genetic diseases and in the development of human genetics as a clinical specialty, the author of many influential books and founding co-editor-in-chief of Genomics, and a distinguished leader of the human genome project.

1995
Ernst Mayr. In recognition of one of the most influential evolutionary biologists of the twentieth century, who revolutionized the standard definition of species and theories of speciation, made 'fundamental contributions to the study of evolution,' wrote penetrating studies of the impact of the Darwinian revolution on modern thought, and founded the first scientific journal devoted to the field of evolution.

1993
Ruth Patrick. In recognition of her study of diatoms, microscopic species of algae, which helped make her one of the world's most distinguished biologists; and developing extraordinarily useful ways of monitoring water pollution.

Barbara McClintock. In recognition of an extraordinary research career, especially her discovery of 'jumping genes' which revolutionized modern genetic thought; her inspiring young people, especially women, to pursue careers in science; and original research.

C.N. Yang. For profound and original contributions to physics - especially the discovery of the non-conservation of parity and of non-Abelian gauge fields which laid the foundations for new intellectual structures - and a love of mathematical beauty which helped him reveal the mysterious working of nature.

Sir Michael Atiyah. In recognition of significant contributions to a remarkable range of mathematical topics, which established links between differential geometry, topology, and analysis; and creating useful mathematical tools for physicists.

Emily Hartshorne Mudd. In recognition of pioneering work promoting planned parenthood and thus strengthening the family and improving women's role in society; and valuable service as founder and director of the Marriage Council of Philadelphia.