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The 2008 Annual Report

REACHING OUT Reaching Out

1 I HAVE NO SPECIAL TALENTS. I AM ONLY PASSIONATELY CURIOUS. — Albert Einstein

The Franklin Institute is dedicated to nurturing the natural curiosity that exists somewhere in all of us, no matter what our age. It is that curiosity, coupled with a passion for learning about and its role in our lives, that leads us to question, to dream of what might be, to explore, to discover and perhaps, in the process, unlock a mystery, cure a disease, give birth to a new technology, or solve a problem that has yet to exist. 2 executive Message 4 the Science 10 center for Innovation in Science Learning 16 the Franklin Center 22 financial Report 24 2008 Contributed Support 32 board of Trustees EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

The Franklin Institute has undergone a seismic transformation both physically and programmatically in recent years. Major traveling exhibitions, innovative new ongoing exhibits and live presentations have put the Institute on the radar screens of Travel and Leisure, Parents Magazine, Zagat, the Today Show and others, helping build attendance and the level of national and international recognition. This is, however, only part of the story. The Institute’s transformation is equally reflected in the exceptional quality and scope of its community outreach.

That outreach was formally recognized on October 7, 2008 when summer-based science and leadership training. Begun as former First Lady Laura Bush awarded The Franklin Institute the a grant-based effort more than 15 years ago, PACTS has become a 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s permanent, Institute supported program. Since its inception, more highest honor for and libraries, at a White House cere- than 2,500 students have enrolled in PACTS summer and year- mony. The Institute for Museum and Library Services [IMLS], which round programs. supports the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums, awards The increased depth and breadth of community service and out- the National Medals to five museums and five libraries annually for reach is evidenced by the growth of these three programs, as well as outstanding community outreach programs. On hand to receive the proliferation of high-profile lectures, moderated panel discus- the award was Institute President and CEO Dennis Wint, Board sions and other initiatives that have blossomed through intramural Chair Marsha Perelman and Albert Hicks, M.D., chief resident at efforts and expanded partnerships. Through these, as well as exhibits Hahnemann University and an alumnus of the Institute’s and other programs described in this report, The Franklin Institute signature PACTS (Partnership for Achieving Careers in Technology ably fulfills its mission of inspiring a passion for learning about sci- on Science) program. The Franklin Institute is only the fifth science ence and technology among visitors and the community-at-large. museum to ever receive this honor. Capital Campaign The Institute received this coveted award in recognition of its his- The Institute’s outreach efforts blossomed in tandem with consid- tory of programs and services that extend beyond the museum walls, erable growth in other areas. In April 2008, with $27 million in reaching out to every member of the community, not only those commitments, the Institute announced a $60 million capital cam- who self-identify as museum visitors. The Institute’s long-term com- paign. Inspire Science! will fund an ambitious series of revitalization munity commitment, as reaffirmed in the Strategic Plan 2006-2012, efforts including a building extension. Pivotal to the campaign is includes: outreach to those whose attendance is hampered either by a $4 million contribution from international biopharmaceutical economic or logistical factors; strategic education programs focused leader Cephalon, Inc. to develop a new signature exhibit centering on the needs of minorities and young women; professional develop- on the brain and neuroscience. Crowning a long-time relationship ment for teachers; improved science and math curricula for schools; with The Franklin Institute, the Cephalon commitment marks the synergistic collaborations with community organizations and other largest single corporate donation in Institute history and one of the non-profits; and family learning. largest corporate gifts to any . The Institute’s Community Nights, PACTS and Science Leadership The Institute is fortunate to have an able and dedicated cadre Academy [SLA] are vibrant examples of the service honored by of community leaders spearheading Inspire Science! Campaign IMLS. Community Nights, initiated in 2006, welcomed almost Chairman William H. Shea, Jr., along with Board Chair Marsha R. 12,500 children and adults from underserved communities to visit Perelman, has recruited a strong committee including Vice Chairs the museum and participate in special activities free of charge. The Frank Baldino, , Christine Berrettini, Don Callaghan, program attracted Target as the title sponsor starting in 2009. Science Herb Kelleher and Denis O’Brien. As of December 31, the campaign Leadership Academy, an innovative magnet public high school cre- had raised more than $33 million. ated in partnership with the School District of , opened in September 2006 with a freshman class of 112 students. The 2008 Strategic Plan on Track freshman class was drawn from a pool of nearly 2,000 gifted appli- The previous and current capital campaigns enabled the Institute to cants. SLA’s project-based learning, rich innovative curriculum, complete several projects in 2008. In March the totally refurbished internship programs and exceptional faculty have catapulted the Franklin Theater reopened as a state-of-the-art 3D digital facility, and school to national prominence. in May, Amazing Machine — the final exhibit funded by the previous A third program, PACTS, enrolls underserved middle school and capital campaign — opened in the Mandell Center. The Institute also high school students from the Philadelphia area in after-school and completed most of the first phase of the Strategic Plan 2006-2012,

2 3 Marsha R. Perelman Dennis M. Wint Chair President & CEO which included the extensive restoration of the enced by both increased member programming and the underlying National Memorial and installation of a multi-media presentation, value of membership. Nevertheless, even with all the adjustments, the made possible by $3.8 million in capital campaign contributions from Institute ended the year with an operating loss, only the second time The Pew Charitable Trusts, City of Philadelphia’s Cultural Corridors in 14 years. Fund, and the , Department of the Interior. While the Institute anticipates that 2009 will be challenging eco- Adjacent to the Memorial, the elegant Jordan Lobby was restored, nomically, members and visitors will benefit from The New Franklin and the first in a series of Franklin Pathways — programming “path- Institute Experience — programs and exhibits created by integrating ways” illuminating some of Franklin’s scientific discoveries — was the unique talents of the Institute’s centers of excellence — as well as created in a nearby corridor. In addition, exterior and garage repairs from five traveling exhibits, including the much anticipated Galileo, were completed, insuring their structural integrity for many years to the Medici and the Age of Astronomy. The one-time only special exhi- come. It is a credit to the staff and outside contractors — more than bition is made possible through an exclusive partnership with the 30 percent of which are minority owned — that all projects were fin- Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza of Florence and presented by ished well within budget. Officine Panerai. The Memorial and Franklin Pathways made their debut during None of our achievements would be possible without the sup- the 2008 Association of Science-Technology Centers [ASTC] port of the Institute’s generous donors, dedicated staff, committed Conference which was hosted by The Franklin Institute and attended Board of Trustees and a cadre of more than 1,200 committed volun- by some 1,800 science center professionals from 31 countries. teers who provided 57,000 hours of service. Their contributions have During the conference ASTC presented Dr. Wint with its highest allowed plans to become reality and dreams to come true. honor — the ASTC Fellow Award — in recognition of over three This past September, the museum world lost one of its great- decades of exemplary leadership in the science center field. est dreamers when former president and director of The Franklin The Challenging Second Half Institute Science Museum, Joel N. Bloom, died at age 83. As former president of both the American Association of Museums [AAM] and Museum attendance for 2008 started strongly, tracking comfortably ASTC, he was a revolutionary champion of hands-on learning and above targets. It comes as no surprise, however, that as gasoline prices the role of museums in education. He influenced the direction of The rose, financial markets collapsed, workers lost jobs and school dis- Franklin Institute and science centers throughout the world. trict budgets contracted, that museum attendance dropped sharply As a fitting coda, in December the Institute received word that throughout the last two quarters. Museums across the country expe- it had once again received accreditation from AAM, a distinction rienced similar scenarios, as noted in The Wall Street Journal and enjoyed by only 750 of the nation’s museums and an affirmation of The New York Times. Of the 64 museums participating in the ASTC the Institute’s professionalism and its enduring strength even in a attendance consortium, 50 reported attendance declines averag- challenging environment. ing approximately 16 percent. The Franklin Institute’s attendance for the year totaled 944,181, including more than 27,000 students from Philadelphia public and parochial schools, and Camden and Delaware public schools, who visited free through the Institute’s ACCESS program, and another 146,000 schoolchildren who visited at much reduced fees. As it became apparent that economic forces beyond the Institute’s control would likely continue for an indeterminate period of time, budgets, projections and staffing for the fourth quarter and 2009 were rapidly adjusted. Interestingly, in 2008 Franklin Institute’s cumulative membership soared to a record 30,000 households, influ- 3 The Science Museum BUILDING COMMUNITY The Franklin Institute is a national leader in innovative science and technology learning. Through a changing mix of continuing and traveling exhibitions, comprehensive school packages, educational theater shows and innovative public programming, the Institute’s Science Museum touches the lives of an ever-broadening demographic, turning thousands of children and adults into eager learners and frequent visitors.

The Heart Bar. This popular heart dissection demonstration is one of many free science shows conducted daily throughout the museum by trained interpreters.

Heart Health. For more than 50 years, the Institute’s Giant Heart has been the Philadelphia icon for heart health. Today this modern walk-through organ is the centerpiece of a comprehensive wellness exhibit focusing on heart health and the circulatory system. Amazing Machine (top right). This campaign-funded exhibit, installed in 2008, integrates kinetic sculpture and 19th century artifacts with hands-on components like the giant grappling arm to engage children and adults alike in discovering basic principles of and mechanics. Family Learning. Educators know that children tend to learn better when parents are involved in their education. For generations, The Franklin Institute has been a favorite family destination, providing a variety of ongoing and changing exhibits and programs that they can experience together.

From discovering the genetic origins of our ancestors 60,000 years a considerable contribution to Philadelphia’s economy. Similarly, ago, to the evolution of the machine, from unmasking the inextri- during Star Wars’ three-month visit, the Institute’s ten hotel partners cable link between piracy and slavery in the Americas, to examining sold 1,781 Star Wars packages, resulting in 2,259 hotel room nights. the endangered ecosystem of the Colorado River, 2008 was a year The first half of 2008 also witnessed the opening of an imaginative of scientific and personal exploration. In the course of the year, The new ongoing exhibit, Amazing Machine, in the lower Mandell Center Franklin Institute hosted four thought-provoking traveling exhibi- gallery, to explore the basics of how machines work. Huge kinetic tions; installed Amazing Machine, a new continuing exhibit; cemented sculptures designed by artist/architect Ben Trautman frame a gallery plans for the 2009 Galileo exhibit coming from Italy; and designed of creative interactives — like the giant can crusher, deconstructed two future exhibitions — Changing Earth and Electricity — for instal- models of familiar tools, clips from classic machine-centered films lation in 2010. like Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times, and more than two dozen valu- Each exhibit will be accompanied by a robust series of activi- able artifacts from the Institute’s collections. The exhibit enjoyed a ties that enhance the visitor experience. Identity: an exhibition short-term loan of a working model of the first successful combus- of you, which opened in November 2007 and ran through April tion engine, designed by Nicolo Barsanti and Felice Matteucci in 2008, was an intensely personal exhibit developed by The Franklin 1854, from the Barsanti and Matteucci Foundation in Florence, Italy. Institute for the Science Museum Exhibit Collaborative. It exempli- The Economy Hits Home fied this multi-faceted approach. While 65 percent of the exhibit’s Two large traveling exhibits opened during the second half of the visitors were adults, an interesting phenomenon in itself, teachers year. The National Geographic exhibitReal Pirates presented the story responded enthusiastically to the comprehensive experiential pack- of the British slave ship Whydah that was captured by pirates before ages for schools which included a DNA lab. Several other programs sinking off Cape Cod in 1717 with a rich cargo of gold, weapons and were developed around the topic of identity. In January Dr. Spencer artifacts. Recovered items provided a vivid lesson in global history, Wells, director of National Geographic’s Genographic project, deliv- sociology and archeological recovery for the 170,000 visitors who ered a presentation entitled “Deep Ancestry: Inside the Genographic explored the recreation of the Whydah’s interior. The exhibit was also Project” at a fully subscribed adult program. Dozens of attendees the springboard for four lectures (including two in the Out of Africa purchased DNA kits so they could participate in the largest geno- Lecture Series), new live science shows and workshops, and a special graphic study ever undertaken. Wells presented a second program at show — Navigation: From Pirate Ships to Spaceships. Real the Science Leadership Academy. Pirates was also the focal point of two Community Night programs In February Philadelphia was literally taken by storm as The during which 3,700 children and adults explored the exhibit without Franklin Institute’s guerrilla marketers, volunteer legions of storm charge. troopers, took to Center City streets and suburban shopping malls By mid-summer the economic downturn, including rising gas to promote the exhibit Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination. prices, began negatively affecting tourism and fall school field trip During its three-month run, more than 257,000 people explored the plans, making it impossible to meet projections created during a exhibit, fascinated by sci-fi technologies from the 70s and 80s that more typical economy. This scenario continued into the fourth quar- have become 21st century realities. More than 4,850 students took ter. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition opened Thanksgiving part in special Star Wars Experiential Packages that coupled the weekend, immediately following the stock market’s precipitous exhibit exploration with a spectroscopy workshop, a special plan- decline. The exhibit continued into mid-April 2009 with an expanded etarium show and an observatory visit. The Institute opened the educational component for schools, but fell short of expectations. exhibit free of charge to more than 1,300 Community Night attend- ees; many schools that qualified for free admission via the ACCESS program also received free transportation. During the past five years, The Franklin Institute significantly increased its attendance with both upgraded facilities and block- buster exhibits like , BodyWorlds and King Tut, all providing

6 7 7 Exhibits Touch Lives. Museum exhibits touch visitors in many ways, from teaching basic principles to changing the way visitors view the world. America’s passion for sports makes The Sports Challenge (top right) an effective way to demonstrate concepts like friction, momentum and velocity. Identity (middle right) provided visitors with a personal learning experience about who they are by drawing on disciplines like physiology, biology and sociology in ways that impact each person differently. Other exhibits, like The Train Factory (bottom right), integrate history, technology and a social science to provide the real story behind the Institute’s iron behemoths and the growth of rail technology.

In the spirit of inquiry and discovery, the mission of The Franklin Institute is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology.

Exploring Science Programs for Young People children and adults the kind of curiosity about what lies beyond that While attendance was lower than projected during the second half may lead them to careers in astronomy, astrophysics, space explora- of the year, the four traveling exhibitions provided multiple oppor- tion — or maybe a lifelong hobby of backyard astronomy. tunities for developing exciting curriculum-based explorations The Fels Planetarium is the second oldest planetarium in the that benefitted students all year round. More than 16,000 school- western hemisphere and, in combination with the Joel N. Bloom children enjoyed these experiential packages for grades 3-12. Observatory, it is the oldest and most extensive planetarium/obser- The packages, which are engineered to support National Science vatory combination in the . This unique combination Education Standards, included experiences such as live meteorology means that visitors not only learn about astronomy, but are able to and astronomy shows, DNA labs, earth science workshops and age discover it for themselves. Like Galileo, visitors can look through the appropriate dissection workshops. observatory telescope to see the moon or Jupiter or Saturn during Extracurricular activities for youngsters filled weekends and vaca- the monthly Night Skies in the Observatory program. Visitors come tions. Discovery Camp, Spring Break Camp and the new “School’s from up and down the East Coast for these unique evenings, hosted Out” Camp welcomed 515 youngsters and the weekend overnight by Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts. Camp-In program drew another 9,600 young people. In addition, The Institute’s other two theaters enabled visitors to explore more than 260,000 students and adults saw one of the ten different different frontiers. In March 2008 the new Franklin Theater, a multi- live science shows offered by the Traveling Science Shows program purpose, state-of-the-art 3D/Blu-Ray facility, came online. Sea at schools, recreation centers, and corporate and community events Monsters 3D, 3D-Sun, Bugs! 3D and other films had audiences reach- from Virginia to Connecticut. ing out to touch solar flares and butterflies. The Tuttleman IMAX® Outreach lineup complemented exhibits with environmentally oriented films like The Alps, Wild Ocean and Grand Canyon Adventure, as well as In addition to these more traditional programs, for the past 15 the picturesque Mystic India. Evening screenings of commercial films years The Franklin Institute collaborated with the Philadelphia Zoo, like U23D in Franklin Theater andDark Knight and Madagascar 2 in the Academy of Natural , the Adventure Aquarium and a the IMAX, helped boost revenues during a difficult time. dozen community partners to train leaders in community centers to facilitate science learning and to introduce community mem- Key Learnings bers — representing more than a dozen ethnicities — to using the 2008 marked the second year for the Out of Africa Lecture Series Institute and its partners as educational resources. The collaborative’s and the third year for both Community Nights and the Wellness recently concluded project, Community Ambassadors for Science Lectures. Eloquent scholars including Princeton’s Dr. Cornel Education, was so well received by both funders and community, West, the University of ’s Dr. Tukufu Zuberi, Temple that the National Science Foundation approved a supplemental grant University’s Dr. Molefi Asante, University of Missouri-Columbia’s enabling the partnership to produce a book outlining its approach Dr. Clenora Hudson-Weems, and Pulitzer Prize winning author and successes. Michael Cottman spoke before capacity audiences. Wellness forums Astronomy and Other Adventures dealt with steroids, heart disease, childhood vaccines, genetics and the future of neuroscience. Through these stimulating programs ’ understanding of the universe has undergone explosive and others, The Franklin Institute has engaged new audiences and transformations since Samuel Fels donated the first planetarium old friends alike. And as first time visitors returned a second and instrument 75 years ago. Space telescopes and technologically sophis- third time, their interest and comfort level increased; it became clear ticated ground-based observatories around the world have quite that The Franklin Institute was no longer just a big building on the literally opened up new worlds. With its modern technology, the Parkway, but a place that they, too, could claim as their own. Fels Planetarium continues to open these new worlds to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, sharing the mysteries of the uni- verse and the excitement of discovery in hopes of cultivating in

8 9 9 Center for Innovation in Science Learning Building the Next Generation The Center for Innovation in Science Learning has exemplified the benefits of educational initiatives through informal science learning experiences. With a wide range of collaborative partnerships with academic centers, corporations and public educational systems, the Center for Innovation continues to empower an inclusive demographic of learners of all ages. Through its dynamic programs and areas of practice, the Center for Innovation has left its footprint both regionally and nationally on K-12 , while significantly impacting family and community science awareness. These programs include: Gender and Families in Science; Professional Development; Educational Technologies; Youth Programs; and a partnership with the magnet public high school — Science Leadership Academy.

PACTS’ Robotics. PACTS very successful junior and senior robotics teams spend Saturdays and many after school hours focused intently on researching and developing robots for competitions. PACTS. Students working in the PACTS basement research lab solder intricate parts for their robot. In addition to engaging students in technology, the project encourages planning, teamwork and responsibility. Opposite page, one of the many robotic competition sessions that drew more than 1,000 participants from across the country to the Institute.

12 13 A Model for Effective Collaboration As America hopes to increase its science literacy and create capacity in the arenas of science, technology, and math [STEM], collaborations and leveraging of available resources has become the hallmark of this national priority. The Franklin Institute recognizes this call for synergy. As such, partnerships have become a corner- stone to the success of its mission, and the Center for Innovation in Science Learning [CISL] leads this charge. Highlights for 2008 include sustaining a significant educational grant portfolio includ- ing receiving a highly competitive National Science Foundation Honors. Receiving the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service for The Franklin Institute is President and CEO, Dr. Dennis Wint and PACTS alumnus grant for its multi-disciplinary Augmented Reality for Interpretive Albert Hicks, M.D. Flanking them are former First Lady Laura Bush and Institute and Experimental Learning [ARIEL] project. This unique col- for Museum and Library Services Director, Dr. Anne-Imelda Radice (right). laborative effort amongst the The Franklin Institute, University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, will result in an excit- While CISL continues its long-standing traditional grant activ- ing new online, interactive experience for the science center visitor, ity, it also reaches out for exciting new collaborative initiatives. This and underscores the power of partnership in building educational is perhaps best exemplified by its new partnership with PECO and resources for science instruction. the National Energy Education Development [NEED], to develop, disseminate and implement a bold new environmental energy cur- riculum for middle and high schools in the five county Greater Philadelphia region. The overall mandate of this program is to create an educational platform that allows for a robust integrated environmental education program in schools, homes, families and communities. PECO is taking a leadership role in environmental education, and The Franklin Institute is proud to be its lead partner. From Science Enrichment to Philanthropy From the Robotics Team to the Science in the City program, the Center for Innovation’s Partnerships for Achieving Careers in Technology and Science [PACTS] continues its standard of excel- lence. This inner city museum outreach science program attracts students from Philadelphia and South Jersey. PACTS hosted more than 1,000 participants at its annual Robotics on the Parkway event which showcased robotic ingenuity and state-of-the art develop- ments in amateur and para-professional robot design from all over the country. The weekend events culminated with the awarding of the Franklin Cup to the team with the most innovative, creative and resilient robot design. This year, The Franklin Institute’s PACTS students were proud to have placed first, bringing back home the coveted Franklin Cup. The year 2008 also witnessed the birth of the PACTS Alumni Association, with a goal of raising money for an annual PACTS scholarship. Within four months of its launch, this association of former PACTS students and now rising professionals awarded its first scholarship for $1,000 to a PACTS student of the class of 2008. In addition, this past year friends and family of Gilbert A. West, Jr. established a scholarship fund in memory of this early PACTS member to help current PACTS students further their education.

13 13 A Continuum of Professional Development For more than 15 years the Center for Innovation in Science Learning Different Classrooms. Even teachers need teachers. Above, has been a leader in providing professional development to help the Institute’s Dr. Wayne Ransom, a nationally-respected science educator, coaches teachers on effective methods for educators to teach science more effectively. Following the Center’s presenting science during a summer workshop. Opposite, Summer Science Academy, which supplied professional develop- students at the Science Leadership Academy — which ment for the School District of Philadelphia [SDP], it geared up to enjoys a 97% retention rate — thrive in both conventional classrooms and well-equipped science labs. partner with other key stakeholders in the public education sphere in Philadelphia. Specifically, the Philadelphia Education Fund and The 21st Century Center for Research and Development in Cognition and Science Instruction and CISL are strategizing to best provide a collaborative front for professional development for the SDP. The purpose of The 21st Century Center, which received unique funding from the U.S. Department of Education, is to draw upon advances in cognitive science to enhance science curricula and improve student learning. The Center for Innovation’s vast experience and sustained competence in this area and long-term partnership with the SDP will prove useful to cognitive science attempts at improving current trends in professional development.

Science Leadership Academy invitation-only blog emphasized the early success of the Science The Science Leadership Academy [SLA] continues on its positive tra- Leadership Academy and highlighted two distinct aspects of the jectory as it accepted its third freshman class of 124 students chosen school: first, the benefits of a small, informal education school setting, from a pool of just under 2,000 applicants representing more than 60 and second, the successful impact and resourcefulness of a partner- middle schools throughout Philadelphia. The excitement and inter- ship with a science center, specifically The Franklin Institute. est in the Science Leadership Academy is in direct correlation to the The Science Leadership Academy hosted its second educational exemplary success of its students, teachers and principal. conference, “EduCon2.1: The Future of Educational Technologies In 2008 Principal Chris Lehman was nominated for the in Schools.” More than 400 educators from 35 states and seven Outstanding Young Educator Award and the MetLife Foundation countries, including leaders in the field, were engaged in panel Ambassadors in Education Award, both for his excellent role as edu- discussions, plenary sessions and workshops around inquiry and cator and senior administrator at SLA. Also in 2008 The Philadelphia project-based informal education environments and the role therein Tribune highlighted Matthew N. VanKouwenberg, one of SLA’s for educational technologies. The highlight of the conference was teachers, who won the Lindback Award for Excellence in Teaching an all-star panel discussion moderated by Franklin Institute Vice for his instruction and mentoring excellence in science and tech- President Frederic Bertley, Ph.D. in Franklin Theater featuring: nology. Through Mr. VanKouwenberg’s rigor and pedagogy, SLA Dr. Molefi Asante, professor, African American Studies, Temple students have successfully constructed a highly efficient biodiesel University; former Award Laureate Stephen Squyres, principal fuel generator and are currently working on small scale, energy effi- investigator, NASA Mars Exploration Rover Mission and Goldwin cient solar panels. Smith Professor of Astronomy at Cornell University; Joel Arquillos, Excellence is not restricted to science at SLA, however, as executive director, 826LA; Kendall Crolius, founding partner, The Matthew Kay, the English and drama teacher, attained national Sulevia Group; Jeff Han, founder, Perceptive Pixel and inventor of exposure through two articles appearing in September editions of the multi-touch screen; and Prakash Nair, co-founder of Fielding the electronic version of The New York Times. The New York Times Nair International. As the Center for Innovation continues to develop its signature programs, its newfound collaborations with public school districts, as well as private corporations such as PECO, redefine the boundar- ies and scope of impact for informal science learning environments.

14 15 15 The Franklin Center BUILDING AWARENESS

The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. Newly renovated, the rotunda has become a canvas for a vibrant 3-1/2 minute multi-media experience celebrating Franklin’s curiosity and accomplishments. In 1972 the U.S. Congress designated the memorial as a national monument. As the administrative umbrella for The Franklin Institute’s Awards Program, its historic collections, the Library and The Journal of The Franklin Institute, the Franklin Center is identifying new ways to integrate some of the Institute’s oldest programs with those of a contemporary, forward looking organization that is dedicated to making science accessible and stimulating to people of all ages. Through a combination of fresh programming, partnerships within and beyond the Institute and 21st century technologies, the Franklin Center is both increasing the audience for its work and cementing its relevancy within the scientific and cultural institution landscape. The Awards Program The origins of the Awards Program date back to 1824, when the newly chartered Franklin Institute organized the first exhibition of American manufactures and gave awards for excellence. The Awards Program is the oldest comprehensive science awards program in the country. Each spring it draws the scientific elite to Philadelphia for The Franklin Institute Awards Ceremony and Dinner, as well as a series of symposia at local universities, public lectures and one- on-one conversations with the visiting public. The 2008 Awards Ceremony and Dinner, again presented by Bank of America, was chaired by Sandra L. Nesbitt and Donald E. Morel, Jr. and attended by 688 guests. The Ceremony and Dinner has become the Institute’s most important fundraising event; the $519,000 netted helps under- write the Institute’s many education programs and free admission for Meet the Scientists. (Top) PACTS students hosted their 27,000 school students and another 13,000 youngsters from inner annual Meet the Scientists panel discussion and reception city recreation programs and challenged adults who could not oth- with the Award Laureates for more than 200 invited high school students, providing unique opportunities for them to erwise afford to visit. New York Times Science Writer Gina Kolata, a speak directly with some of the world’s leading scientists. repeat guest at the Institute, served as the host for the Awards pre- Above, younger students visiting for the day meet Physics sentation, as well as a guest speaker for a special symposium. Laureate Deborah Jin. The 2008 Awards Week programs ranged from scholarly forums for students and college faculty held at The Franklin Institute, University of Pennsylvania, University of Delaware and Drexel University to the Laureates’ Laboratory — where the scientists were paired with members of The Franklin Institute education staff for a visitor-friendly, show-and-tell of sorts. Visitors had the oppor- by an informal reception where students engaged Laureates in con- tunity to interact with world-class scientists and learn about their versation. These sessions have become extremely popular with both research. Awards Week also provided unique learning opportu- Laureates and students and are considered one of the highlights of nities for students at The Franklin Institute’s magnet high school, the comprehensive Awards Week Program. Science Leadership Academy, who were treated to a presenta- In addressing the challenge of further integrating Franklin Center tion by the energetic young recipient of the Benjamin Franklin programs into the institutional mainstream, the Awards Program has Medal in Physics, Deborah Jin. In addition, students from a dozen expanded its goal of recognizing and encouraging excellence within Philadelphia area high schools attended the PACTS students’ annual the scientific community to include inspiring future scientists and Meet the Scientists program, a moderated panel discussion followed increasing public awareness. Deborah Jin’s work with the behavior

18 19 2008 Award Laureates Far left to right: James S. Thorp, David Baulcombe, Gary Ruvkun, Frederick W. Smith, Takeo Kanade, Deborah S. Jin and Judea Pearl. Back row: Albert Eschenmoser, Victor R. Ambros, Arun G. Phadke and Wallace S. Broecker.

2008 FRANKLIN INSTITUTE AWARDS

2008 Bower Award and Prize for Achievement associations and causal connections hidden 2008 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science in Science, Robotics within millions of observations. His work has Victor R. Ambros, Ph.D. Takeo Kanade, Ph.D. had a profound impact on artificial intelligence University of Massachusetts Carnegie Mellon University and statistics, and on the application of these Gary Ruvkun, Ph.D. For visionary leadership and scientific fields to a wide range of problems in science and Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts accomplishments in the design of perceptual engineering. General Hospital robotic algorithms and systems that function in David Baulcombe, FRS. 2008 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Earth and the physical world. University of Cambridge Environmental Science For the discovery of small RNAs that turn 2008 Bower Award for Business Leadership Wallace S. Broecker, Ph.D. off genes. Their pioneering work initiated a Frederick W. Smith Columbia University paradigm shift in our perception of the ways FedEx Corporation For pioneering research leading to an genes are regulated, and this insight is making For founding FedEx and establishing a understanding of the ocean’s influence on possible major new genetic tools for basic modern network of information technology climate change. His work led to the successful research, and for improving agriculture and and transportation systems that satisfy global development of a comprehensive picture of human health. demand for timely and guaranteed package ocean circulation and its role in both past and delivery. In addition, under Smith’s leadership, future environmental change. 2008 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics FedEx is widely recognized as an exemplary Deborah S. Jin, Ph.D. 2008 Benjamin Franklin Medal in corporate citizen. National Institute of Standards & Technology and Electrical Engineering University of Colorado 2008 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry Arun G. Phadke, Ph.D. For her pioneering studies of the properties of Albert Eschenmoser, Dr.sc.nat. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University an ultracold gas of fermionic atoms, and her The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich James S. Thorp, Ph.D. creation of the first quantum gas of fermionic and The Scripps Research Institute Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University atoms in which no two atoms can occupy the For seminal investigations into the origin of For pioneering contributions to the development same quantum state. nucleic acid structure, which through systematic and application of microprocessor controllers chemical synthesis have begun to answer the in electric power systems. These devices make fundamentally important question of why DNA synchronized measurements to monitor and and RNA have the structures they do. protect components throughout the power grid, playing a key role in diminishing the frequency 2008 Benjamin Franklin Medal in and impact of blackouts. Computer and Cognitive Science Judea Pearl, Ph.D. University of , For creating the first general algorithms for computing and reasoning with uncertain evidence, allowing computers to uncover 19 of particles opened a new area in quantum physics; Takeo Kanade took robotics to a new level with advances in visual recognition; Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun in the U.S. and David Baulcombe in England discovered that small strands of RNA, which assist in the production of proteins, can also “silence” genes, keeping them from doing their job. The latter discovery provides another tool for sci- entists trying to understand genetic diseases in humans and plants. Learning about such exciting successes and the possibilities in sci- ence may inspire students to pursue careers in science, parents to encourage them and life-long learners to explore the progress via science news. Curating the Collections With the opening of Amazing Machine in the Institute’s Mandell Center, more than two dozen fascinating artifacts from the Institute’s historic collections are on display as part of a stunning exhibit envi- From the Collections. ronment that engages the senses as it invites visitors to explore The 19th century mantle clock (above) is one of many fascinating timepieces incorporated in the exhibit how machines work. On display is a six-foot model of the original Amazing Machine. Strasbourg clock commissioned by John Wanamaker, a miniature Among the newest additions to the collections (top right) Singer sewing machine, dozens of clocks and clock movements, and is this 5-cent stamp cover of Franklin. Along with a 10-cent the 1810 Maillardet Automaton, one of the most complex automa- stamp cover of Washington (not shown), it represents the first adhesive stamps issued by the United States Post tons ever built. The concept of showcasing the old with the new in Office in 1847 and 1848. Amazing Machine is part of an ongoing plan to integrate artifacts The waterwheel illustration by Frederick Graff (bottom right) from the Institute’s archival collections into museum exhibitions, is part of the Institute’s extensive Graff Collection of plans exposing visitors to the past and providing historical context for for the original . modern science and technology. Behind the scenes, staff continued a long-term project, creating a comprehensive electronic database for the Institute’s collections, materials that represent a virtual his- tory of science and technology from the 19th and 20th centuries. The Library Like the Curatorial Department, the Library is transitioning to an and interdisciplinary mathematics, the Journal’s current focus is on automated electronic database. In preparation for introducing an information and communication systems and networks, learning automated system by the end of 2009, the Library began a two year algorithms, signal processing, imaging, sensing, genomic signal pro- process of converting its book collection to a unified classification cessing and control theory. In an effort to stay relevant and increase scheme. The new system, made possible in part by joining Access readership, the 28-member editorial board looks increasingly to Pennsylvania, will improve management of the Library’s collection, produce special issues in newly evolving topics for which there is a streamline cataloging, simplify circulation control and introduce strong foundation. Of the eight issues published in 2008, a special a reporting function. When the migration to the new automated July issue was devoted to “Advances in Indoor Radar Imaging.” system is complete, the Library will be part of a consortium of school, The advent of publishing electronically has increased both the public, academic and special libraries in the Commonwealth shar- volume of articles per issue, as well as the readership; in 2008 there ing a unified, web-based catalog of holdings. Institute staff will have were 85,505 articles downloaded, hardly something that would have desktop access to the holdings of libraries throughout the state. been possible with a traditional hardcopy publication. The Journal of The Franklin Institute The Journal of The Franklin Institute, the second oldest scholarly journal in continuous publication in the United States, embraced online technology several years ago, with all 182 years of journals now available online in 3,964 institutions worldwide. Long regarded as a resource for respected peer reviewed papers in engineering

20 financial report

Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Assets, Year ended December 31, 2008 with Summarized Information for 2007

2008 2007 Temporarily Permanently Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total Total

Revenue, support, and investment income Program Revenue Admissions fees $ $10,330,006 $ — $ — $ $10,330,006 $ 12,011,084 Ancillary activities 4,289,147 — — 4,289,147 7,010,182 Museum projects 1,541,969 542,911 — 2,084,880 1,314,558 Educational programs and services 1,625,087 — — 1,625,087 1,956,283 Other 647,682 — — 647,682 408,715 Total program revenue 18,433,891 542,911 — 18,976,802 22,700,822

Support Annual giving 3,386,999 675,030 — 4,062,029 4,959,620 In-kind contributions 409,649 — — 409,649 198,921 Government appropriations and grants 395,756 722,558 — 1,118,314 2,394,906 Contributions - Capital campaigns — 6,387,977 — 6,387,977 18,345,815 Bequests and other contributions — — — — 2,156,056 Total support 4,192,404 7,785,565 — 11,977,969 28,055,318

Endowment income designated for current operations 1,647,172 — — 1,647,172 1,493,504 Net assets released from restrictions — satisfaction of purpose restrictions 2,821,601 (2,821,601) — — — Total revenue, support, operating investment income, and net assets released from restrictions 27,095,068 5,506,875 — 32,601,943 52,249,644

Expenses Program expenses Museum operations $19,290,491 — — $19,290,491 $17,479,509 Ancillary activities 2,191,537 — — 2,191,537 2,456,956 Museum projects 3,085,017 — — 3,085,017 3,169,938 Educational programs and services 1,346,518 — — 1,346,518 1,344,147 Total program expenses 25,913,563 — — 25,913,563 24,450,550

Interest 710,450 — — 710,450 687,702 Development — Capital campaigns 1,081,965 — — 1,081,965 886,316 General development 1,032,454 — — 1,032,454 1,263,401 Total expenses 28,738,432 — — 28,738,432 27,287,969

Operating income before depreciation (1,643,364) 5,506,875 — 3,863,511 24,961,675

Depreciation and amortization 5,846,474 — — 5,846,474 5,668,610

Operating income (loss) (7,489,838) 5,506,875 — (1,982,963) 19,293,065

Non-operating income, expenses, and releases Net assets released from restrictions — satisfaction of purpose restrictions 6,525,546 (6,525,546) — — — Endowment return net of amounts designated for current operations (3,427,923) (8,728,284) — (12,156,207) 1,410,607 Net actuarial loss on defined benefit retirement plan (2,222,263) — — (2,222,263) — Unrealized loss on interest rate swap (2,246,988) — — (2,246,988) (520,975) Change in value of investments held by third-parties — — (4,303,548) (4,303,548) 654,931 Total non-operating income, expenses and releases (1,371,628) (15,253,830) (4,303,548) (20,929,006) 1,544,563

(Decrease) increase in net assets (8,861,466) (9,746,955) (4,303,548) (22,911,969) 20,837,628 Net assets Beginning of year 72,362,413 47,856,331 15,858,268 136,077,012 115,239,384

End of year $ 63,500,947 $ 38,109,376 $ 11,554,720 $ 113,165,043 $ 136,077,012

22 23 Statements of Financial Position December 31, 2008 and 2007

2008 2007

Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,197,413 $ 14,201,940 Accounts receivable, net 2,033,622 6,308,950 Pledges receivable, net 12,853,940 13,260,181 Inventory 331,755 467,029 Prepaid and other current assets 622,852 698,401 Pooled investments 27,441,041 39,403,247 Beneficial interest in perpetual trusts 9,115,249 13,418,797 Property, buildings and equipment, net 75,470,681 69,887,076 Deferred loan costs, net 179,483 189,740 Total assets $ 138,246,036 $ 157,835,361

Liabilities and Net Assets Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 7,843,508 $ 3,578,516 Deferred revenue 69,841 391,854 Long-term debt 17,167,644 17,787,979 Total liabilities 25,080,993 21,758,349

Net assets Unrestricted 63,500,947 72,362,413 Temporarily restricted 38,109,376 47,856,331 Permanently restricted 11,554,720 15,858,268 Total net assets 113,165,043 136,077,012 Total liabilities and net assets $ 138,246,036 $ 157,835,361

23 Board of Trustees

The Franklin Institute expresses its Richard H. Dilsheimer William H. Shea, Jr. Leadership Council sincere gratitude to its outstanding Board CEO Private Investor Dennis M. Wint, Ph.D. of Trustees, whose dedicated annual Dilsheimer Communities, Inc. President and CEO service allows the Institute to maintain Kurt M. Soukup its international standing and to strive Kevin F. Donohoe Managing Partner Frederic M. N. Bertley, Ph.D. for even greater achievement. President Convex Asset Management Vice President Center for Innovation in The Kevin F. Donohoe Company, Inc. Science Learning Marsha R. Perelman Ann R. Sorgenti Chair, Board of Trustees Michael Forman Community Volunteer Larry Dubinski, Esq. The Franklin Institute Managing General Partner Senior Vice President External Affairs and FB Capital Partners LP William J. Stallkamp General Counsel President Community Volunteer Woodforde Energy, Inc. William J. Friel Jeffery Perkins Joan N. Stern, Esq. Charles H. Allen Executive Vice President Senior Vice President PNC Bank Chair, Public Finance Finance and Administration Vice President and General Manager, Blank LLP Rotorcraft Systems Elizabeth H. Gemmill Richard D. Rabena The Boeing Company Community Volunteer David R. White Vice President Operations Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain Frank Baldino, Jr., Ph.D. William L. Graham Campbell Soup Company Paul Ricchiuti Chairman and CEO President, Enterprise Integration Group Vice President Information Systems Cephalon, Inc. Lockheed Martin Paul H. Woodruff, PE President Steve Snyder, Ph.D. Scott A. Battersby Richard A. Greenawalt Mistwood Enterprises Vice President Exhibits and Program Vice President and Treasurer Principal Development Unisys Corporation RMK Associates Harold L. Yoh III Chairman and CEO Reid O. Styles David J. Berkman S. Matthews V. Hamilton, Jr. Day & Zimmermann Vice President Human Resources Managing Partner President Liberty Associated Partners LP Travel Services Company Ex-Officio Members Sandra K. Baldino Wade H. Berrettini, M.D., Ph.D. Paul C. Heintz, Esq. Co-Chair, Benefactor Society Board Director, Center for Neurobiology Partner Community Volunteer and Behavior Obermayer, Rebmann, University of Pennsylvania Maxwell & Hippel, LLP The Honorable Darrell L. Clarke School of Medicine Member, Philadelphia City Council Susan Y. Kim Raza Bokhari, M.D. Community Volunteer Grete Greenacre President Co-Chair, Benefactor Society Board Parkway Clinical Laboratories Barbara Kowalczyk Community Volunteer Community Volunteer Renee B. Booth, Ph.D. Mitchell P. Marcus, Ph.D. President Charisse R. Lillie, Esq. Professor, Computer Information Systems Leadership Solutions, Inc. Vice President of Human Resources University of Pennsylvania Comcast Corporation Charles R. Bridges, M.D., Sc.D. The Honorable Michael Nutter Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery Ira M. Lubert Mayor, City of Philadelphia Principal Lubert-Adler Management, Inc. The Honorable Edward G. Rendell Donald E. Callaghan Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Principal Miriam G. Mandell Hirtle, Callaghan & Company Vice President The Honorable Anna C. Verna MGM Consulting Corporation President, Philadelphia City Council Michael F. Camardo Retired Executive Vice President Sandra G. Marshall Dennis M. Wint, Ph.D. Lockheed Martin Community Volunteer President and CEO, The Franklin Institute Susan Capps Morris Robert S. McMenamin Emeritus Members Senior Vice President Senior Vice President William J. Avery of the Americas Operations U.S. Trust, Bank of America Chairman Emeritus Merck & Co., Inc. Private Wealth Management Henry M. Chance II Robert M. Chappelear Donald E. Morel, Jr., Ph.D. Bowen C. Dees, Ph.D.* Senior Vice President Chairman and CEO President Emeritus Wachovia Wealth Management West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. Wachovia Bank, N.A. James J. Eberl, Ph.D. John Nugent Carlos Chou Community Volunteer Richard T. Nalle, Jr. * Chief Customer Officer SAP America, SAP Asia Pacific Japan Denis P. O’Brien James A. Unruh President Chairman Emeritus I Michael Coslov PECO Chairman and CEO Officers Tube City IMS Corporation Samuel J. Patterson Marsha R. Perelman Chairman and CEO Chair, Board of Trustees Gerard P. Cuddy Veridyne Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis M. Wint, Ph.D. Beneficial Savings Bank Hershel J. Richman, Esq. President and CEO Retired Senior Counsel Dechert Larry Dubinski Secretary Bruce D. Rubin Vice President and General Manager Jeffery Perkins Sunoco, Inc. Treasurer *Deceased (List as of December 1, 2008) 32 33 Design Allemann Almquist & Jones Photography Cover: Keith Watanabe/Allemann, Almquist & Jones, NASA Keith Watanabe/Allemann, Almquist & Jones: IFC, 1, 4, 5, 7, 9–12, 15–17, 24–25, 27, 28 (top) Kelly & Massa: 19 James B. Abbott: 20 Lisa Godfrey: 28 (bottom) Stuart A. Watson: 31 Peter Olson: IBC Unknown: 13 (top and bottom), 18 (top and bottom), 33 21 (top and bottom) 222 North 20th Street 215.448.1200 Philadelphia, PA 19103-1194 www.fi.edu