Wagner Free Institute of Science

Wagner Free Institute of Science Where little has changed but the century! A free Victorian era natural history museum in Philadelphia
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Founded in 1855, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is dedicated to providing free public education in science. Its programs include free courses and lectures, field trips and lessons for children and museum tours for all ages. The evening science courses are in their 157th year, making them the oldest program devoted to free adult education in the United States. The Institute also has a strong

commitment to children’s science education and offers a range of programs for school groups and through partnerships with neighboring schools and community groups. The Institute’s Museum houses more than 100,000 natural history specimens, a collection begun by founder William Wagner in the early nineteenth century and expanded by the pre-eminent scientist Joseph Leidy in the 1880s. Completed in 1865, the Institute’s National Historic Landmark building is essentially unchanged since the late-nineteenth century and includes a Victorian Exhibition Hall filled with fossils, shells, minerals and mounted animal skeletons and skins displayed in original wood and glass cabinets. The Museum is open to visitors Tuesdays - Fridays, 9 AM to 4 PM, year-round. Evening and weekend programs are offered during the fall, winter and spring.

Celebrate   at the Wagner in our historic Lecture Hall on Thursday, Oct 19!The showcase includes glass lantern slides fr...
09/29/2023

Celebrate at the Wagner in our historic Lecture Hall on Thursday, Oct 19!

The showcase includes glass lantern slides from the special collections of The Academy of Natural Sciences; American Philosophical Society; The Historical Society of Frankford; Penn Museum; PHS : Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; Wagner Free Institute of Science illuminated through our historic lantern projector.

Find out more here: https://loom.ly/0mR0_UA
Image: Franklin’s First Arrival in Philadelphia. From the collections of the American Philosophical Society.

The moment you have all been waiting for ... A Sip of Science is BACK!🥂Join us for a "vibrant" evening of celebration at...
09/25/2023

The moment you have all been waiting for ... A Sip of Science is BACK!🥂

Join us for a "vibrant" evening of celebration at our annual fall fundraiser! This event allows us to raise crucial funds to sustain our historic institution and support all of our free education programming.

This year, we are honoring Lamar Gore of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and Lori Hayes of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation for their dedication to protecting and expanding access to our rich, urban green spaces. We will also recognize Philadelphia physician Dr. Arlene Bennett with the inaugural Louisa Binney Wagner Award for her decades-long support and dedication to the Wagner.

Eat, drink and party among our 100,000 specimens and pay tribute to our 3 extraordinary honorees!

Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities are available now!
For more information, visit: https://loom.ly/AYWVKX0

Have you registered for our next free event yet: FlightFest- October's First Saturday Open House !?We'll be open from 12...
09/25/2023

Have you registered for our next free event yet: FlightFest- October's First Saturday Open House !?

We'll be open from 12-4pm on the 7th! This event will focus on migratory birds and the challenges they face on their travels during the Atlantic Flyway, partnered with Bird Safe Philly.

For more information and registration, visit: https://loom.ly/U99SlWs

The Annual Philadelphia Lantern Slide Salon is BACK and in-person!🎞️Thursday, Oct 19, 6 - 7:30pm celebrate   at the Wagn...
09/21/2023

The Annual Philadelphia Lantern Slide Salon is BACK and in-person!🎞️
Thursday, Oct 19, 6 - 7:30pm celebrate at the Wagner in our historic Lecture Hall!

The showcase includes glass lantern slides from the special collections of 6 Philadelphia organizations: The Academy of Natural Sciences; American Philosophical Society; The Historical Society of Frankford; Penn Museum; PHS : Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; Wagner Free Institute of Science illuminated through our historic lantern projector.

Find out more here: https://loom.ly/0mR0_UA
Image: In veranda at Paea, Tahiti. John Hill Bourne seated in a chair. Penn Museum image no. 216664.

Caw-caw! Get ramped up for our next First Saturday Open House- October's theme is FlightFest: All About Birds! 🦆Explore ...
09/18/2023

Caw-caw! Get ramped up for our next First Saturday Open House- October's theme is FlightFest: All About Birds! 🦆
Explore the Wagner's extensive bird collection, complete themed activities, and learn about migratory patterns from Bird Safe Philly.
To learn more and register, visit: https://loom.ly/U99SlWs
Image: various bird species from the Wagner's collection, photo taken by David Graham

Interested in learning about the future of energy technology and sustainability?Join Professor Kevin Cannon's online cou...
09/15/2023

Interested in learning about the future of energy technology and sustainability?

Join Professor Kevin Cannon's online course, "Stay Brighter Longer: Options to Meet Our Energy Needs" starting in just 2 weeks!
Cannon will discuss the state of fossil fuels today and the advantages and disadvantages to different, alternative fuel technologies.

This course is held online on Zoom, starting October 2nd.
For more information and registration, visit: https://loom.ly/t8YMEQg

Image: DAM SPILLWAY, SCREENHOUSE, FACING NORTHEAST - Cove Hydroelectric Development, Forebay and Diversion Dam, Cove Power Plant Road, Grace, Caribou County, ID

🍃What's the word? September's Field Notes Newsletter is out!🍃Click this link, take a peek, and skim through this issue t...
09/08/2023

🍃What's the word? September's Field Notes Newsletter is out!🍃

Click this link, take a peek, and skim through this issue to discover our newly announced Fall programs. Saturday event themes, courses, Lantern Slide Salon, a Sip of Science... you name it! https://loom.ly/xl8yItM

Want to be the first to know about our programs? You can join our newsletter and mailing list here: https://loom.ly/m0piL6A

THIS SATURDAY, September 9th, marks Joseph Leidy's 200th birthday! Born in 1823, this legendary scientist and educator h...
09/07/2023

THIS SATURDAY, September 9th, marks Joseph Leidy's 200th birthday! Born in 1823, this legendary scientist and educator had a lasting impact on the Wagner. We can thank him for sending out the first field expeditions, building a scientific research program, growing the museum collections and creating the exhibit that is still in place today.

Celebrate Leidy's 200th WITH US THIS SATURDAY! We will have a birthday cake and Leidy swag to share at our Saturday Open House. 🍰
For more information and registration: https://loom.ly/Yy6KJfU

Join us in October for a very special history of science course, "Madness: A Brief History" with Professor Darin Hayton!...
09/05/2023

Join us in October for a very special history of science course, "Madness: A Brief History" with Professor Darin Hayton!
The class will examine some of the ways past societies identified, explained, and reacted to behavior they considered deviant and evidence of madness through the 19th century in Europe and North America.

The class is in person and will be held at the Parkway Central Library, Free Library of Philadelphia.
To learn more and how to register, visit: https://loom.ly/jzZ-rAU
Image: Hieronymus Bosch, Removing the Stone of Folly (1494)

Are you a lover of all things bugs?Join us for our course, "Hail the Mighty Insects!" with Professor Greg Cowper this Oc...
09/04/2023

Are you a lover of all things bugs?
Join us for our course, "Hail the Mighty Insects!" with Professor Greg Cowper this October!
This serves as a great introduction to Entomology, as the class will go over the evolution, morphology, development, behavior & classification of 27 insect orders!

This class will meet in person at the Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St. Free Library of Philadelphia
To learn more and how to register, visit: https://loom.ly/qsNhq5s

  is happening NEXT WEEK!We're excited to be apart of CampusPhilly's CollegeFest again this year! Join us next Saturday,...
09/02/2023

is happening NEXT WEEK!

We're excited to be apart of CampusPhilly's CollegeFest again this year!
Join us next Saturday, September 9th, for our back-to-school Saturday Open House. Our museum, housing over 100,000 natural history specimens, will be open for exploration from noon to 4pm.

It's also Pawpaw harvest time and we're featuring the Wagner's favorite crop! As part of the program, Dr. Kate Goodrich from Widener University will give a talk in our historic Lecture Hall about the local, in-season Pawpaw tree. She'll discuss the special relationship between the Pawpaw plant and its pollinator. The Wagner has three trees loaded with fruit and, if they're ripe, we'll have some available to taste too!

You can sign up for this event here: https://loom.ly/Yy6KJfU

Interested in learning about the future of energy technology? Join Professor Kevin Cannon's online course, "Stay Brighte...
08/31/2023

Interested in learning about the future of energy technology?

Join Professor Kevin Cannon's online course, "Stay Brighter Longer: Options to Meet Our Energy Needs" this October!
Cannon will discuss the state of fossil fuels today and the advantages and disadvantages to different, alternative fuel technologies.

This course is held online on Zoom, starting October 2nd.
For more information and registration, visit: https://loom.ly/t8YMEQg

Tonight and tomorrow night is a "once in a blue moon" event! 🌙On August 30 and 31st, a great phenomenon will occur: a Su...
08/30/2023

Tonight and tomorrow night is a "once in a blue moon" event! 🌙
On August 30 and 31st, a great phenomenon will occur: a Super Blue Moon.
This moon will be especially close to Earth, making it appear much bigger and brighter than usual. It is also the second full moon we are seeing this month, making it even rarer.

Depending on visibility, the moon is supposed to look its largest around 9:30PM on both days. Fingers crossed everyone has a chance to see it!
Image: Astronomy Lantern Slides, Collection of the Wagner Free Institute of Science

CollegeFest is happening in just a couple weeks!🍎Get ready to kick off the fall semester with FREE admission to the Wagn...
08/28/2023

CollegeFest is happening in just a couple weeks!🍎

Get ready to kick off the fall semester with FREE admission to the Wagner Saturday Open House on 9/9 for CollegeFest! We are excited to be a part of this amazing lineup with Campus Philly, visit us plus 25+ other museums and activities during the weekend.

It's also Pawpaw harvest time and we're featuring the Wagner's favorite crop! As part of the program, Dr. Kate Goodrich from Widener University will give a talk in our historic Lecture Hall about the local, in-season Pawpaw tree. She'll discuss the special relationship between the Pawpaw plant and its pollinator. The Wagner has three trees loaded with fruit and, if they're ripe, we'll have some available to taste too!

You can sign up for this amazing back-to-school event here: https://loom.ly/Yy6KJfU

All courses for the Fall are now LIVE and open for registration!Join us this October for brand new courses in the chemis...
08/25/2023

All courses for the Fall are now LIVE and open for registration!

Join us this October for brand new courses in the chemistry, zoology, and history of sciences series, taught by your favorite Wagner Professors.

- "Stay Brighter Longer: Options to Meet Our Energy Needs" with Kevin Cannon (Online)
- "Hail the Mighty Insects!" with Greg Cowper (In person)
- "Madness: A Brief History" with Darin Hayton (In person)

To learn more information and register for these, visit: https://loom.ly/yg_C9AQ

Starting tomorrow, the Wagner is BACK OPEN to the public! Museum hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:30-4:30, and regi...
08/21/2023

Starting tomorrow, the Wagner is BACK OPEN to the public! Museum hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:30-4:30, and registration is open for field trips and tours.

This week we'll announce our busy fall schedule of evening classes and programs, and Saturday Open Houses. Want to be the first to know about them? Make sure you're signed up to our E-Newsletter!
You can sign up here: https://loom.ly/m0piL6A

Did you hear the news? Registration for fall student field trips are OPEN, and spots are filling up quick!Join us for a ...
08/17/2023

Did you hear the news? Registration for fall student field trips are OPEN, and spots are filling up quick!
Join us for a free interactive science lesson and museum scavenger hunt with your group of 15-40 students.

To register your group, please fill out this required registration form: https://loom.ly/bV690jM

Let's ring in the new school year together! 🐞

We always encourage folks to think of creative ways to capture the magic of the Wagner. We've seen specimen sketches, po...
08/04/2023

We always encourage folks to think of creative ways to capture the magic of the Wagner. We've seen specimen sketches, poetry inspired by the collection, and now drawings of the visitors themselves!
This postcard was created by a visitor that attended our April Saturday Open House.

Have you drawn at the Wagner before? Tag us in your creations!

To transition from summer to fall, the Museum will be closed to visitors for two weeks- starting next Monday. During thi...
07/31/2023

To transition from summer to fall, the Museum will be closed to visitors for two weeks- starting next Monday. During this time, our staff will be preparing for a busy fall season—refreshing the building and finalizing a schedule of courses, programs and special events that start in September!

Mark your calendars: The Museum reopens to visitors on Tuesday, August 22.

We’ll miss you--stay tuned for exciting updates about our fall festivities!

Looking for something to fill your summertime during these hot and humid  ? Explore the Wagner's canine specimens and mo...
07/18/2023

Looking for something to fill your summertime during these hot and humid ? Explore the Wagner's canine specimens and more- Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:30-4:30! 🐺
https://loom.ly/lHamuYs

Pictured is a German Shepherd dog skull from the Wagner teaching collection.

It is   today! Sharks have been playing an incredibly important role in our ocean's ecosystem for 455 million years. We ...
07/14/2023

It is today! Sharks have been playing an incredibly important role in our ocean's ecosystem for 455 million years. We aim to educate our visitors on these, as well as other equally essential creatures, through our collection and lessons.
Pictured are fossilized teeth from different shark species on view in the Wagner's Exhibit Hall.

CALLING ALL GROUPS!Even during the summer season, the Wagner hosts free, interactive museum field trips. Topics include ...
07/06/2023

CALLING ALL GROUPS!
Even during the summer season, the Wagner hosts free, interactive museum field trips. Topics include Fossils, Ocean Life, Insect Adaptations, and City Nature. Consider us for your next adventure!
Trips are available for organized groups of 15-40 children.
For more information and required registration form: https://loom.ly/RlZOTww

 ! Did you know that the Wagner hosts "Friday's in the Field" every Friday during the summer months?! 🌻(Weather permitti...
06/23/2023

! Did you know that the Wagner hosts "Friday's in the Field" every Friday during the summer months?! 🌻

(Weather permitting)- From 1:00-3:30PM, our teaching yard is open for exploration. Observe the local ecosystem and partake in activities such as outdoor scavenger hunts, drawing, and identifying the local flora and fauna!

No reservations required for small groups and families.
For more information: https://loom.ly/RlZOTww

TODAY- Join us in celebrating this year's Wawa Welcome America  Free Museum Day program! We will be open to the public f...
06/20/2023

TODAY- Join us in celebrating this year's Wawa Welcome America Free Museum Day program! We will be open to the public for FREE from 9:30-4:30, no reservations required.
Check out the info about our event and all the museums that are participating and the many other wonderful events starting on Juneteenth and leading up to the 4th of July!
https://loom.ly/9OTlqvY

06/20/2023

Tuesday tip: Shake up your mid-week routine with some festival fun!

❤️ Celebrate World Refugee Day with Welcome.us at Love Park
❤️ Enjoy free admission at Wagner Free Institute of Science and The Print Center

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/45ndpYZ

We are proud to be part of this year's Wawa Welcome America Free Museums Day program! We will be open to the public for ...
06/13/2023

We are proud to be part of this year's Wawa Welcome America Free Museums Day program! We will be open to the public for FREE on June 20th all day, no reservations required.

Check out the info about our event and all the museums that are participating and the many other wonderful events starting on Juneteenth and leading up to the 4th of July!
https://loom.ly/zwU5is0

Don't miss TONIGHT'S IN-PERSON Science on Tap - Philadelphia  at National Mechanics Restaurant!"Bacteriophage and Us: Ha...
06/12/2023

Don't miss TONIGHT'S IN-PERSON Science on Tap - Philadelphia at National Mechanics Restaurant!
"Bacteriophage and Us: Harnessing the Power of the Puppet Master", by Tabb Sullivan, PhD, will explore the history of bacteriophages, what we currently know and what is being done to harness their power for treating challenging diseases. We will then explore what could be possible if we can manipulate the virome within.

Tickets are not required for this event.
For more info: https://loom.ly/wMIwLTI
Image: This image was created by combining two images: 'Phage' by Dr Graham Beards, (https://loom.ly/_sBAu_k) and 'Bxz2_Plaque' by Deborah Jacobs-Sera and Graham Hatfull (https://loom.ly/BKkmQp0

Resident phages may hold the secret to success for healthy f***l transplant to treat numerous gastrointestinal diseases where probiotics fail. In this talk, Tabb Sullivan, PhD, a Principal Scientist at Integral Molecular, will explore the history of bacteriophages, what we currently know and what is

THIS COMING MONDAY- Don't miss the next Science on Tap - Philadelphia, happening IN-PERSON at the National Mechanics Res...
06/09/2023

THIS COMING MONDAY- Don't miss the next Science on Tap - Philadelphia, happening IN-PERSON at the National Mechanics Restaurant!
Hear Tabb Sullivan, PhD, talk in "Bacteriophage and Us: Harnessing the Power of the Puppet Master" at 6PM!

In this talk, Tabb Sullivan, a Principal Scientist at Integral Molecular, will explore the history of bacteriophages, what we currently know and what is being done to harness their power for treating challenging diseases. We will then explore what could be possible if we can manipulate the virome within.

Tickets are not required for this event.
For more info: https://loom.ly/wMIwLTI

TONIGHT- It's not too late to sign up for our special Weeknights at the Wagner talk: "Building for Books - Philadelphia'...
06/08/2023

TONIGHT- It's not too late to sign up for our special Weeknights at the Wagner talk: "Building for Books - Philadelphia's Libraries" with Michael J. Lewis @ 6PM!

Stay after the talk for wine and nibbles at our Annual Member Reception- free for current Members, $15 for guests.
For more information and registration: https://loom.ly/CPeyQBk
Image: Presentation drawing (1918) for the Parkway Central Library of the Free Library of Philadelphia by Julian Abele. Colorized version.

TOMORROW- Don't miss our IN-PERSON Weeknights at the Wagner Event! At 6PM, Michael J. Lewis will trace the roots and dev...
06/07/2023

TOMORROW- Don't miss our IN-PERSON Weeknights at the Wagner Event! At 6PM, Michael J. Lewis will trace the roots and development of Philadelphia’s private and public libraries in "Building for Books- Philadelphia's Libraries".

Stay after the talk for some wine and nibbles at our Annual Member Reception- free for current Members, $15 for guests.

For more info and registration: https://loom.ly/CPeyQBk
Image: Library Company of Philadelphia, Library and Surgeon's Hall, Fifth-street Engraving, 1800, by William Russel Birch. Wikipedia.

THIS THURSDAY IS WEEKNIGHTS AT THE WAGNER- in "Building for Books - Philadelphia's Libraries", speaker Michael J. Lewis ...
06/05/2023

THIS THURSDAY IS WEEKNIGHTS AT THE WAGNER- in "Building for Books - Philadelphia's Libraries", speaker Michael J. Lewis will delve into the history and development of Philadelphia's public and private libraries.
Stay after the talk for wine and nibbles at our Annual Member Reception! Free for current Members, $15 for guests.
For more info and registration: https://loom.ly/CPeyQBk
Image: Interior view of the Wagner Institute Branch, ca. 1896. Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphia, PA. Retrieved from https://loom.ly/Pi_6qJ4

NEXT WEEK- Don't miss the next Science on Tap - Philadelphia , happening IN-PERSON at National Mechanics Restaurant!Hear...
06/05/2023

NEXT WEEK- Don't miss the next Science on Tap - Philadelphia , happening IN-PERSON at National Mechanics Restaurant!
Hear Tabb Sullivan, PhD, talk in "Bacteriophage and Us: Harnessing the Power of the Puppet Master" at 6PM!

Resident phages may hold the secret to success for healthy f***l transplant to treat numerous gastrointestinal diseases where probiotics fail. In this talk, Tabb Sullivan, a Principal Scientist at Integral Molecular, will explore the history of bacteriophages, what we currently know and what is being done to harness their power for treating challenging diseases. We will then explore what could be possible if we can manipulate the virome within.

Tickets are not required for this event.
For more info: https://loom.ly/wMIwLTI
Image: Monographie de "La Médecine" de 1936 - Le Bactériophage - Applications Thérapeutiques.

Our June's First Saturday Open House is TOMORROW, starting at NOON!Join us and the St. Joseph's University Biology Depar...
06/02/2023

Our June's First Saturday Open House is TOMORROW, starting at NOON!
Join us and the St. Joseph's University Biology Department in learning about the research they do, as well as making YOUR VERY OWN foldable microscopes! You don't want to miss this event!
For more information and registration: https://loom.ly/YZUC7ac
Image: Joseph Leidy's microscope, Wagner Exhibit Hall collection.

NEXT WEEK is a Weeknights at the Wagner event! On June 8th @ 6PM, Michael J. Lewis will be hosting a talk: "Building for...
06/02/2023

NEXT WEEK is a Weeknights at the Wagner event! On June 8th @ 6PM, Michael J. Lewis will be hosting a talk: "Building for Books- Philadelphia's Libraries", where he will trace the roots and development of Philadelphia’s private and public libraries.

Stay after the talk for our Annual Member Reception- free for current members, $15 for guests.
For more info and registration: https://loom.ly/CPeyQBk
Image: Lillian Marrero/Lehigh Avenue Branch. Children's Room of the Lehigh Avenue Branch, ca. 1910s. Photographic Prints. Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphia, PA. Retrieved from https://loom.ly/-Wrx6eY.

Every wondered how fish make friends? "They go to school"!!🐟Join in for "How Fish Make Friends: Stories from the Biodive...
05/31/2023

Every wondered how fish make friends? "They go to school"!!🐟

Join in for "How Fish Make Friends: Stories from the Biodiversity Lab" by Dr. Scott McRobert of St. Joseph's University, and other interesting talks and activities, THIS SATURDAY at our Open House! June 3rd, 12-4PM.
For more information and registration: https://loom.ly/dffHOIc

IN TWO WEEKS- June 12th 6PM, Science on Tap - Philadelphia  is back IN PERSON at the National Mechanics Restaurant with ...
05/29/2023

IN TWO WEEKS- June 12th 6PM, Science on Tap - Philadelphia is back IN PERSON at the National Mechanics Restaurant with "Bacteriophage and Us: Harnessing the Power of the Puppet Master"!

Resident phages may hold the secret to success for healthy f***l transplant to treat numerous gastrointestinal diseases where probiotics fail. In this talk, Tabb Sullivan, PhD, a Principal Scientist at Integral Molecular, will explore the history of bacteriophages, what we currently know and what is being done to harness their power for treating challenging diseases.

Tickets are not required for this event.
More info: https://loom.ly/wMIwLTI

THIS SATURDAY- visit the Wagner for our June Open House! In "Sleeping Worms, Nesting Turtles", professors and students f...
05/29/2023

THIS SATURDAY- visit the Wagner for our June Open House! In "Sleeping Worms, Nesting Turtles", professors and students from St. Joseph's University Biology Department will host short talks about the interesting research they do, accompanied by their live critter companions!
Open June 3, 12:00-4:00PM.
For more info and registration: https://loom.ly/dffHOIc

IN TWO WEEKS, Thursday June 8th, join us for our next Weeknights at the Wagner free lecture! In "Building for Books- Phi...
05/26/2023

IN TWO WEEKS, Thursday June 8th, join us for our next Weeknights at the Wagner free lecture! In "Building for Books- Philadelphia's Libraries", historian Michael J. Lewis will trace the roots and development of Philadelphia’s private and public libraries.
Join us after the talk for our annual Member Reception- free for current members and $15 for guests.
For more info and registration: https://loom.ly/CPeyQBk
Image: Philadelphia City Institute Branch. View of the circulation desk. 1957. Photographic Prints. Free Library of Philadelphia: Philadelphia, PA. Retrieved from https://loom.ly/70u_EMg

Happy World Turtle Day! Join us in celebrating these refreshing reptiles and other cool critters at our NEXT FREE SATURD...
05/23/2023

Happy World Turtle Day! Join us in celebrating these refreshing reptiles and other cool critters at our NEXT FREE SATURDAY OPEN HOUSE, "Sleeping Worms, Nesting Turtles"!

Visit us and faculty from St. Joseph's University to learn about the interesting research they do in their labs. Come become a scientist, JUNE 3RD, 12-4PM.

Learn more information and register: https://loom.ly/dffHOIc

Happy National  ! We are always encouraging our visitors to take inspiration from our collection and draw our specimens....
05/16/2023

Happy National ! We are always encouraging our visitors to take inspiration from our collection and draw our specimens. Next time you visit the Wagner, take advantage of our drawing supplies to create your own art!

Pictured is a drawing workshop led by our teaching artist, Liz Amber, during our April Open House event.

The Wagner museum is open Tuesday through Friday 9:30 - 4:30pm & the First Saturday of the Month from 12 - 4pm.
Get more info: https://www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org

Address

1700 W Montgomery Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
19121

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(215) 763-6529

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A 19th-century museum of 100,000 specimens and free scientific learning

Founded in 1855, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is dedicated to providing free public education in science. Its programs include free courses and lectures, field trips and lessons for children and museum tours for all ages. The evening science courses are in their 157th year, making them the oldest program devoted to free adult education in the United States. The Institute also has a strong commitment to children’s science education and offers a range of programs for school groups and through partnerships with neighboring schools and community groups.

The Wagner Institute’s nineteenth century exhibit hall – a soaring three-story space – houses an extraordinary collection of natural history specimens including mounted birds and mammals, fossils, rocks and minerals, insects, shells, dinosaur bones, and the first American saber-toothed tiger, discovered on a museum-sponsored expedition to Florida in 1886. Gathered largely by founder William Wagner and Institute curators and faculty during the nineteenth century, the collections are displayed in cherry-wood and glass cabinets dating from the 1880s and maintain their original “systematic” scheme, providing a rare view of a Victorian science museum.

Highlights include William Wagner’s personal mineral collection – one of the oldest in the country – and his fossil collection, representing many important European and American localities and collecting sites of the nineteenth century. The mounted skeletons, skulls and skins represent species from around the globe, including many that are now endangered. The extensive regional entomology collection is notable for its arrangement, which includes the original handwritten curator’s labels.

Originally assembled to teach science, the specimens are arranged for study. The exhibit is one of the largest systematically arranged collections on display in the country and remains in active use as a key educational tool of the Institute’s free science programs. It also serves as a resource for scholarly research.


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