Former U.S. ambassador David Cohen is working to 'preserve' Drexel's Academy of Natural Sciences following museum's closure

Key Points:

• David L. Cohen, former U.S. ambassador and Comcast executive, was asked by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to help broker a deal between Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences to preserve the institution amid financial challenges.
• The Academy, which is closing its museum after nearly 200 years, and Drexel are close to agreeing on governance and financial terms that would allow the Academy to continue operating and growing in Philadelphia without jeopardizing Drexel’s stability.
• Cohen has held numerous meetings and produced a draft proposal aimed at preserving the Academy’s core missions of research, education, and public engagement, with plans to potentially establish a smaller museum in a new location through a third partner.
• Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and Governor Shapiro’s offices, along with Cohen, are collaborating closely with Drexel and the Academy to maintain the institution’s legacy and mission as a vital part of Philadelphia’s cultural and educational landscape.
• Cohen emphasized the importance of community support and cooperation, expressing hope that Philadelphia’s nonprofit and foundation sectors will rally to sustain the Academy’s future.