Wagner’s February 1st Saturday Open House – Endangered Species

FEBRUARY’S FIRST SATURDAY OPEN HOUSE

Endangered Species, with artist and author Allen Crawford

Did you know that the Endangered Species Act passed 50 years ago? This landmark legislation has protected hundreds of endangered and critically threatened species since 1973. Among the species it helped recover from near-extinction are the peregrine falcon and the humpback whale. But many species remain in danger and some have been lost forever.

The theme of our February First Saturday is protecting endangered animals. We will be joined by acclaimed artist and author Allen Crawford, whose most recent book, A Wild Promise, beautifully represents in lavish full-color illustrations eighty animals that embody the spirit and commitment of the Endangered Species Act. He will give short talks about his own passion for nature and for preserving the habitats – oceans, mountains, deserts, prairies, and forests – where animals live. Buy your own copy of his book in our shop and Allen will sign it for you!

Where better to experience the astonishing diversity of nature and to see many rare and protected species than at the Wagner! The Exhibit Hall will be open for self-guided exploration of the natural history collection throughout the day. Explore our 100,000 specimens, including ancient fossils, glowing minerals and animals from around the globe. Wander at your own pace or follow the path of one of our themed scavenger hunts, including our endangered animals scavenger hunt. You can also pick up pencils and paper to draw from the specimens on display, including our pair of Ivory-billed wordpeckers.

Allen Crawford will be on hand to sign books and discuss his work in the Lecture Hall.

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.

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.

Image: Blackburn’s Sphinx Month, from A Wild Promise. Allen Crawford.