Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture (PSPA)

The idea of forming an American husbandry society in the British pattern was proposed by John Beale Bordley to the agricultural committee of the American Philosophical Society. Initial meetings were held in February and March 1785, and a list of nominations was drawn up and approved. Charter members include prominent judges and lawyers (John Beale Bordley, Richard Peters, James Wilson, Edward Shippen), military leaders (General John Cadwalader, Colonel George Morgan, Colonel John Nixon), doctors (Benjamin Rush, John Jones, George Logan, Adam Kuhn), and politicians (Samuel Powel, George Clymer, Henry Hill, Philemon Dickinson, Samuel Vaughn, Lambert Cadwalader, Tench Francis, Charles Thompson). Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine became members in the first year, as did George Washington, who was elected as an honorary member since he did not reside within ten miles of the city.

The Society's books and manuscripts are a valuable record of its continuous activity from the early days of the Republic to the present. The collections were initially deposited with the University of Pennsylvania in 1888 along with funds for their preservation and growth.

The Library comprises over 1,000 titles. Included are materials on all aspects of agriculture, including farming, animal husbandry, gardening, veterinary medicine, industrialized farming, and soils and fertilizers, along with several state and regional journals. With the Society's ongoing support, the collection continues to grow.