Collections Club at the Academy of Natural Sciences

Join the ANS Collections Club!

Be part of real, hands-on science at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. No prior experience needed!

We’re opening the doors to our collections and inviting the community to help preserve and protect the Academy’s priceless biodiversity specimens. You’ll get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how scientists and collections staff work while making a meaningful contribution to projects that need support from volunteers like you.

What to Expect
• Bimonthly volunteer opportunities
• Interesting, unique projects across ANS departments
• A welcoming, educational and fun environment
• A chance to connect, contribute and learn

Next Meeting is Sat. November 7, 2026
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Enter the Academy at the 19th street entrance and ask the security guard for the Commons Room

November’s Project: Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies) Collection Digitization

Help us bring an incredible scientific resource into the digital age! The ANS Entomology Department has been imaging our 65,000-specimen dragonfly and damselfly collection, including the handwritten data cards that document where, when and how each specimen was collected.

Now we need volunteers to transcribe that handwritten information into our online database.
• No prior experience required
• Training provided during the November 7th session by ANS staff
• Remote participation is available after in-person training
• Contributions make this scientific data accessible to researchers around the world
• Bring Your Own Device (Laptop/Tablet-iPad) please

Join us and be part of something bigger!