The
Case Files

The Franklin Institute's Case Files are a unique repository in the history of science and exist as the documentary record of The Franklin Awards program which, since 1824, has recognized outstanding scientific achievement, across all scientific disciplines.

Within each Case File is a story, waiting to be told, of scientific enterprise and social circumstances. The Wright Case File holds documentation of his award including publications, patents, and recommendations from his peers. The Case Files are rich with lessons of human imagination, individual dedication, and the transformation of society through science and technology.

Likewise, the Institute's annual Awards Week program is a vibrant celebration of scientific enterprise and the scientists at its forefront. Each year's class of Laureates offers far-ranging testimony to the values of scientific research and its impact on society.

Through this website, The Franklin Institute welcomes the world into its Awards program to reflect upon the scientific and technological achievements of the past, understand the Award-worthy science of today, and look forward to the transformative impact of today's research on tomorrow's world.

The Franklin Institute's Committee on Science and the Arts (CSA) oversees the Awards program and maintains the Case Files. The CSA is a panel of recognized scientists and science historians from the Philadelphia region. CSA members carefully select candidates using a thorough case investigation process to recognize those scientists and engineers who lead their fields, expand knowledge, challenge standards, and serve humanity.

CSA members who become case sponsors prosecute their nomination cases for Benjamin Franklin Medals before the full Committee for review and action. Following two successful case readings to the Committee (including a review of letters of evaluation solicited from the preeminent experts in the field), the nomination is forwarded to the Institute's Board of Trustees for final review and approval. During the following April, medalists are brought together at The Franklin Institute for the annual Awards Week program. Throughout this year-long process, the CSA maintains a file that makes the case for each nominee. At the end of the process, the "Case Files" are sealed.

More information about the CSA is available on The Franklin Institute's Award site.

The Case Files and the National Science Education Standards

At all grade levels, the National Science Education Standards call for students to develop understandings about scientific inquiry and the nature of science. Likewise, students at all grade levels should develop their understanding of science as a human endeavor.

The Case Files capture the process of inquiry as a case study for student reflection. Student exploration of the resources presented here, particularly at the high school level, can support standards-based learning. The project also offers a useful historical perspective on the scientific process.

"Making their Cases" and the Principles & Standards for School Mathematics

The standards call for students to experience a broad spectrum of careers and/or circumstances in which people use mathematics. The stories here offer vivid portraits.

Each Case File has its own list of suggested readings and/or resources to extend your learning. In general, the Case Files offer an interesting glimpse into Industrial America during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The personalities profiled within this online exhibit primarily contributed to the industrialization of America. Therefore, any works related to that theme will support your investigation of The Franklin Institute's Case Files.

A key monograph that supports the presentation of the Case Files is this work by McMahon and Morris, published in 1977:

McMahon, A.M., Morris, S. (1977). Technology in America: The Committee on Science and the Arts of the Franklin Institute, 1824-1900. Scholarly Resources Incorporated: Wilmington, Delaware.

The Case Files reflect a spirit of American invention that is well-documented by Thomas Hughes in this book:

Hughes, T.P. (1989) American Genesis: A Century of Invention and Technological Enthusiasm 1870-1970. Viking Press: New York.

The Case Files project is made possible by support from The Barra Foundation and Unisys.

This website is the effort of an in-house special project team at The Franklin Institute, working under the direction of Frederic Bertley, Senior Vice-President for the Center for Innovation in Science Learning, and Bo Hammer, Vice-President for The Franklin Center.

Special project team members from the Educational Technology department are:
Karen Elinich, Barbara Holberg, Margaret Ennis, Natasha Fedder, and Zach Williams.

Special project team members from the Curatorial department are:
John Alviti and Elisa Graydon.

The project's Advisory Board Members are:
Ruth Schwartz Cowan, Leonard Rosenfeld, Nathan Ensmenger, and Susan Yoon.