| 1 | Name: | Dr. Whitfield J. Bell | |
| Institution: | American Philosophical Society | ||
| Year Elected: | 1964 | ||
| Class: | 3. Social Sciences | ||
| Subdivision: | 303. History Since 1715 | ||
| Residency: | Resident | ||
| Living? : | Deceased | ||
| Birth Date: | 1914 | ||
| Death Date: | January 2, 2009 | ||
Whitfield J. Bell, Jr. was Librarian and Executive Officer of the American Philosophical Society. He received his Bachelor's degree from Dickinson College in 1935 and went on to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1947. Dr. Bell taught history at Dickinson College from 1937-54 and was visiting professor of history at the College of William and Mary and visiting editor of the William and Mary Quarterly. He left to edit the Papers of Benjamin Franklin. He was an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania for two decades, beginning in 1977. Dr. Bell came to the American Philosophical Society Library in 1954, serving as librarian from 1966-80. He also served as Executive Officer from 1977-83. Dr. Bell was a member of many historical societies, including the American Antiquarian Society, the American Historical Association, and the American Association for the History of Medicine, of which he was president from 1970-72. He was an honorary Fellow of the College of Physicians and recently received the Distinguished Service Medal from the College in recognition of his bicentennial history of the College. He authored several books and many articles on history, history of science, history of medicine and Benjamin Franklin. He also authored "Patriot Improvers," a collection of biographical sketches of members of the American Philosophical Society. Whitfield Bell died January 2, 2009 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania at the age of 94. | |||