The official 1873 founding document of the Minnesota Academy of Natural Sciences (later to become the Minnesota Academy of Science) contains its original Constitution and By-Laws. Article II states that, It shall be the object of the Academy to observe and investigate natural phenomena; to make collections of specimens illustrating the various departments of science; to name, classify, and preserve the same; also, to discuss such questions as shall come within the province of the Academy. The By-Laws direct the establishment of a museum, as well as regular meetings at which scientific investigations will be communicated either orally or in writing.
This typed and annotated document is labeled as the "First Constitution of the Minnesota Academy of Science," thus presumably around the 1933 refounding (cf., the 1873 founding constitution of the Minnesota Academy of Natural Sciences). Article II states that, "The object of the Academy shall be the promotion of the sciences through an organization of scientists resident in the State of Minnesota." Provision is made for officers, committees and meetings, "taking into account the state wide nature of the organization." The By-Laws set the annual dues as two dollars for each active member and one dollar for each associate member.�
This printed Constitution of the Minnesota Academy of Science is from around 1937. It is very similar to the 1933 Constitution but has removed the associate membership category; the By-Laws set the annual dues as "one dollar for each member." The election process for members is also different, requiring nomination by a member, recommendation by the Council, and a two-thirds vote of the organization, at which point "he shall be duly elected."