October First Saturday— Home Soil: The Minerals and Geology of Philadelphia

OCTOBER FIRST SATURDAY OPEN HOUSE

Home Soil: The Minerals and Geology of Philadelphia

From quartzite to kyanite to garnets—Philadelphia is home to a vast array of regional minerals. Join us on Saturday, October 5th as geologist Bruce Mitchell from the Philadelphia Mineralogical Society engages visitors of all ages in learning about Philadelphia’s rich geological landscape.

At 1 PM, join Bruce for an illustrated talk in our historic Lecture Hall about rocks and minerals in this region, including many that were found—and can still be found!—in Fairmount Park along Wissahickon Creek. Bruce will share facts about, and images of, minerals collected by the Philadelphia Mineralogical Society. Featured specimens include some collected a few weeks ago and others collected over a hundred years ago! Adults and children will also have the opportunity to closely examine and handle some of the specimens during the talk and afterward.

Bruce T. Mitchell is a retired geologist, who had a long career as a geophysicist and geological advisor. He currently serves as Program Chair of the Philadelphia Mineralogical Society and enjoys collecting minerals from the old iron mines near Philadelphia.

The Wagner is home to an extensive collection of minerals, which are on display in the Exhibit Hall. The mineral cases as well as the rest of the natural history collection will be available for self-guided exploration throughout the day. Explore our 100,000 natural history specimens, including ancient fossils and animals from around the globe. Wander at your own pace or follow the path of one of our themed scavenger hunts. You can also pick up pencils and paper to draw from the specimens on display.

Schedule:

12 – 4 PM: Museum open for exploration

1 – 2PM: The Minerals and Geology of Philadelphia: A Talk with Bruce Mitchell

Things to Know Before Your Visit

• Walk-in visitors are welcome. Advance registration is appreciated and will speed up your entry to the museum.

• Masks are recommended but not required.

• There is no coat check or place to stow personal items – please travel light.

• To protect the specimens and our historic interiors, photography is not allowed in the museum and food and drink are not permitted in the building.

•The Institute does not have a parking lot. Street parking on Montgomery Avenue and 17th Street is free and metered parking is available on Bouvier Street and Cecil B. Moore.

A dream that keeps growing…

In 1855, William Wagner had a dream of providing free science education to anyone who wanted to learn, regardless of background or ability to pay. Today, the Wagner offers more programs to more people than ever before! Your support helps us provide free education, not only through the museum, but through a wide range of courses, lectures, field trips, and children’s science programs. Donations also assist us in caring for the museum and library collections and in preserving our wonderful building, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. To learn more about what we do please visit our website.

Registration Information

In keeping with its original charter, admission is FREE—donations are suggested to ensure the future and quality of Wagner’s free education programs and to preserve its National Landmark building and collections. Registration is recommended but not required.

Suggested Donations

$25/family

$10/adult

$5/student

For any questions, please email tickets@wagnerfreeinstitute.org or call 215-763-6529 x17.

If you would like to check your membership status or become a member, please email KellyT@wagnerfreeinstitute.org or call 215-763-6529 x11.