Download PDF

Request an exam or desk copy

Inspired by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) building, which turned 100 in 2024, sixth-grade students at the Alain Locke School in West Philadelphia created the Promethean Sparks mural. The students collaborated with artist and educator Ben Volta to imagine how scientific imagery in the NAS building's Great Hall—from the Prometheus mural by Albert Herter and the golden dome by Hildreth Meière—might look if recreated in the twenty-first century. Their vibrant mural was exhibited alongside a timeline of the NAS building, which depicted the accomplishments of the Academy in the context of US and world events over the past century. The timeline was curated by Alana Quinn and Alexandra Briseno in consultation with historians Ruth Schwartz Cowan and Peter J. Westwick.

Publication information

13 pages · 8.5 x 11 ·
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-99310-5

Suggested citation

National Academy of Sciences. 2024. Promethean Sparks & NAS Building Timeline. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

Import this citation to:

Subscribe

First Name
Last Name
Email (required)
I agree to receive emails from the National Academies (required)

We respect your privacy and will never share your information.

Log In

Sign in to access your saved publications, downloads, and email preferences.

Former MyNAP users: You'll need to reset your password on your first login to MyAcademies. Click "Forgot password" below to receive a reset link via email. Having trouble? Visit our FAQ page to contact support.

Members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, or National Academy of Medicine should log in through their respective Academy portals.

Email (required)
Password (required)

Don't have an account?

Register

Email (required)
New password (required)
Retype password (required) Password must be at least 8 characters
I accept the terms of use
terms of use

Thank You

Thank you for creating a MyAcademies account!

Enjoy free access to thousands of National Academies' publications, a 10% discount off every purchase, and build your personal library.

Forgot Password

Enter the email address for your MyAcademies (formerly MyNAP) account to receive password reset instructions.

Reset Requested

We sent password reset instructions to your email . Follow the link in that email to create a new password. Didn't receive it? Check your spam folder or contact us for assistance.

Reset Password

New password (required)
Retype password (required) Password must be at least 8 characters

Reset Password

Your password has been reset.

Log In

Verify email

Verify Your Email Address

We sent a verification link to your email. Please check your inbox (and spam folder) and follow the link to verify your email address. If you did not receive the email, you can request a new verification link below

Promethean Sparks & NAS Building Timeline (2024)

Chapter: Cover

Publication information

Suggested citation

My Academies

Promethean Sparks & NAS Building Timeline (2024)

Chapter: Cover