Founded by Benjamin Franklin and others in 1743, the American Philosophical Society is the country's oldest learned society. Election to the Society connotes recognition of highly distinguished achievement in all academic disciplines. The Library of the American Philosophical Society houses material of research interest in the fields of early American history; history of medicine, science and technology, and Native American studies, ethno-history and linguistics. The APS is also home to a dynamic grants, fellowships and research division; a museum on Independence mall; a scholarly publications division; and a programs of member Meetings that dates to Franklin's own vision for the Society.