He has used it extensively for research on the decorative arts, sculpture and architecture. The library is part of a consortium of libraries with special collections and rare books, sharing an on-line computerized catalog, making it even more valuable as a resource center, Craven said. The museum, furnished with American fine and decorative arts from the first half of the 19th century, is open to the public without charge. In addtion, the Athenaeum offers programs, lectures and special exhibitions, publishes books, and gives literary awards and research grants to encourage scholarship in architectural history. Being a member of an august community of scholars is stimulating and exciting, but another pleasure is associating with those who are connected with the Athenaeum in other ways, Craven said.
Supporters come from a variety of backgrounds.
They are physicians, lawyers and from other professions and are intelligent, enlightened and share an interest and knowledge about the arts and history. It's one of Philadelphia's fine old cultural institutions, and I am really pleased to be part of it. Craven has written about American art from the Colonial era to the present time and has had many articles about 19th century art published. History and Culture, a comprehensive overview of American art. He serves on the editorial boards of Smithsonian Studies in American Art, and American Art Journal and is an editor for the American National Biography.