Drexel University faces pressure as Academy of Natural Sciences vigil marks one month of closure

Drexel University officials faced renewed scrutiny on Tuesday evening when roughly 80 supporters held a candlelight vigil outside the Academy of Natural Sciences. The gathering marked one month since the museum closed its doors to the public. Organizers from the Save the Academy Coalition led the event, which included both longtime museum patrons and students from the university.

A group of Drexel students marched approximately one and a half miles from the university’s dragon statue at 33rd and Market streets to join the vigil. Among the marchers were Ashen Harper, Reese Miller, and Ghost Fazek Asstivala, members of the Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter at Drexel. The students expressed a sense of duty to oppose the closure decision made by their own institution.

Harper stated that the group must fight to keep the educational institution open. Miller, who began studying invertebrate paleontology at the museum in April under former collection manager Alejandra Martinez Melo, said the closure disrupted her research plans. She described the announcement as a source of pure shock.

Martinez Melo addressed the crowd with visible emotion, referring to the museum’s exhibits as her other children. She expressed uncertainty about the future of the collection, noting that Drexel and other parties had not provided a clear plan. She asked the public for their support as a mother would.

The vigil took place one day after a contentious hearing at Philadelphia City Council. Lawmakers questioned Drexel officials regarding the closure of the nearly 200-year-old museum. More than 120 supporters attended the hearing, some of whom booed during university testimony. Council members threatened to subpoena officials who failed to appear.

Drexel President Antonio Merlo missed the hearing due to a university accreditation visit. The administration of Mayor Cherelle Parker also declined to send a representative, providing written testimony from Deputy Mayor Trish Wellenbach instead. Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr., whose district includes the museum, tore up the administration’s statement in frustration during the session.

Financial discrepancies emerged during the hearing, with conflicting figures presented about the museum’s operations. Drexel representative Melissa Richman testified that public programs cost $7.7 million last year but generated only $3 million in revenue. Academy board chair Suzanne Biemiller presented different numbers, reporting a budget of $3.6 million and revenue of $2.7 million. These figures prompted questions about the true cost of reopening the museum.

Sarah McAnulty, an organizer with the Save the Academy Coalition, said the group is encouraged by the Council’s willingness to ask hard questions. She criticized the absence of the university president and a direct administration representative. The coalition has held demonstrations since Drexel and academy leadership announced the closure on Sept. 1, citing financial struggles and declining attendance.

The William Penn Foundation offered to cover a year of Drexel’s financial subsidy to allow time for a long-term solution. As of Monday, the foundation reported it had not received a response to that offer. The academy’s scientific research and collections continue, but public access remains suspended. Council members plan to continue the hearing on Nov. 16.