Call Number:

98-047

Repository:

Wagner Free Institute of Science

Extent:

1.33 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of item], Wagner Free Institute of Science Publicity Materials, 98-047, Library and Archives of the Wagner Free Institute of Science.

Date:

1904-2006 (inclusive)

Creator:

Wagner Free Institute of Science.

Form:

Announcements, Articles, Brochures, Letterheads, and Newsletters

Abstract:

"Incorporated by William Wagner in 1855, the Wagner Free Institute is a natural history museum and educational institution in Philadelphia that is dedicated to providing free public education in the sciences. William Wagner originally offered free lecture and classes in his home and at Spring Garden Hall. He later constructed an Institute building, which opened to the public in 1865. The Institute's current programs and services include adult and children's programming offered onsite and at locations around Philadelphia, the Institute's library and archival collections, and a permanent display of the museum's specimen collections. Since 1891, the specimen collections have been displayed according to Darwinian principles of evolution, the organizational scheme selected by renowned biologist Joseph Leidy during his tenure as head of the Institute's scientific and educational programs in the late 19th century."

Source:

Wagner Free Institute of Science. Wagner Free Institute of Science publicity materials (98-047). Biographical or Historical Note. In Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries (PACSCL) Survey database. Accessed 3 October 2007. Available from http://www.pacsclsurvey.org/search.html.

The collection provides a history of WFIS' promotional endeavors begining in the early 20th century. Most of the collection documents the Institute's efforts to publicize its free lectures in science and special museum events. Materials in the record group include lecture announcements, articles, circulars, brochures, invitations, awards and newsletters.

The earliest material dates from 1904, and records are as recent as 2006; the bulk of the collection is from the latter half of the 20th century. The Instruction and Publication series are the most in depth. Included in the Instruction series are posters announcing lectures for fall and spring courses; the folders contain most years' announcements from the 1930s to the 1990s. The Publication series contains good articles about WFIS, its history, efforts and mission. Also included in the collection are records of fundraising efforts and awards for preservation of the building.