Favorite Object: The Wagner Free Institute of Science

Just a warning- I plan to unleash a great deal of my science nerd potential during this post. 

The Wagner Free Institute of Science was a fantastic way to bring closure to the end of this exciting adventure of Museum Practicum. It has been on my list of places to visit before the start of Graduate School, and when I saw it on the syllabus the first day, I was excited to know I would finally be going there. After going there, I enjoyed its charm, and immediately knew of several close friends who will also love this place. I think the exciting thing about the Wagner will be sharing it with someone else, as I'm already planning my returning visits.

The lecture hall is what sold me right from the start. Within seconds of walking in and being there, bam: there was the bang that that we were ending the semester with. It was amazing. Like walking into a movie or being transported to the Victorian era of science. Now my immediate thoughts of the Victorian age of science take me to Nicola Tesla: scientist bad-a**, who has lately been getting the credit he is owed, and gaining in popularity. 

Can't you imagine the set up of this lecture hall being identical to one at the Wagner? Wowing all the other white men (ahem) of the time of his amazing feats?
Image: http://explorepahistory.com/displayimage.php?imgId=1-2-14D4

Images: http://www.diffusionradio.com/2010/04/doc_oc_element_117_and_nikola.html, http://www.teslasociety.com/serbia150.htm

However, the Wagner focuses on the Natural Sciences, which are interesting too (though Tesla Coils and vandergraph generators hold a bigger piece of my heart). Joseph Leidy was a pretty cool vertebrate paleontologist too.

Leidy with a part of the Hadrosaurus Folkii skeleton. (the one we saw in the closet at the Academy)
Image: http://explorepahistory.com/displayimage.php?imgId=1-2-14D4 

To focus on a single object in the collection is again a challenge. However, I was drawn to the mineral collection... again. While we have not had a chances to encounter collections of minerals, I have found in my own museum visitation experience in the last 8 or so years that the mineral collection is where I like to be. I do not have a favorite mineral (yet) but I have always liked calcite. 

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wagnerfreeinstitute/6836332243/in/set-72157627054737929

Calcite Specimen

Purchased in 1908

CaCO3 - Calcium Carbonate

Wagner Collection 

Maybe it’s the fact that it fizzes when diluted hydrochloric acid is dropped on it, or that it makes up snail shells, or that the ocean floor is made up of it due to a simpler model of the circle of life, but I find it to be a very interesting mineral. However, I had no idea that it could take up so many shapes and crystalline structures. It was amazing. I wondered if it was something everyone knew and I was just unaware of this common fact, but even as I speaking with Museum Educator Jessica Bachrach, she mentioned one of her favorite things in the collection was all the different types of calcite, I knew it was an impressive collection of calcite. The cleavage (not that kind!!) and crystalline structure were what interested me the most and the way it formed in so many ways. Single planes, twos, threes, and so forth. The triangular specimens were my favorite because of the geometric pattern it created. 

Image: http://nhmu.utah.edu/

Image: http://www.matsminerals.com/calcitSM-54.jpg

http://www.gemstones-guide.com/Calcite.html

Image: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/calcite

The objects, originally came from mineralogist Charles H. Pennypacker. In 1908 they were purchased as a 24-piece collection. They are on display in a case with other calcite specimens, and the hand-written calligraphy labels describing them. Having a full case full of the specimens allowed for comparisons in shape, size, color, and crystalline structure. Basically the things that any first time geologist is taught to look for, minus the hardness (which is a 3 on Moh's Hardness scale by the way). 

Fields of study to explore would be mineralogy. By learning more about mineral development would explain to me how calcite forms in so many ways, and what it means when it does. Or even better, find myself a time machine and attend this lecture from Mr. Wagner himself: 

Image: http://www.pachs.net/about/view/hendrick_manufacturing/

Those not interested in this object could be those with a greater interest in physical sciences and not the biological and natural science fields. Again, Tesla being electrifying.

Image: http://fierofredo.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/happy-nikola-tesla-day/

Those not interested and opposing views could also be those with little interest in geology and minerals, and find them to just be "rocks" and exploring calcite would not be a field relevant the present since it has already been discovered, analyzed, and explained. However, calcite and limestone have a role in Global Climate change since it absorbs carbon dioxide and stores it. 

Experience and programming could be just to learn more about rocks and minerals! Lots of activities exist to learn about mineral characteristics, and testing hardness and identifying minerals. That way when you are out on hike or find a cool rock you can identify what it is or what is in it. 

To sum up my feelings about the Wagner, Science, Victorian Aesthetics, and Tesla, this advertisement piece done for an event at the Wagner summarizes my feelings nicely.

Image: http://geekadelphia.com/2012/10/25/a-sip-of-science-electrifying-2012-annual-benefit-cocktail-party-at-the-wagner-free-institute-of-science/

Favorite Object: African American Museum in Philadelphia

Don't Tread on Me

2011

Caste Rubber, Found Materials, and Tread

Christopher Carter

The Stalwart installation by Christopher Carter is a collection of pieces and sculptures made from found objects. The exhibition is on display until December 31, 2012 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP). Many of the materials used in the sculptures came from an abandoned barn in Connecticut where the artist is originally from. The pieces have a common symbolism of flags and stars throughout the installation. I chose the piece "Don't Tread on Me", since it was one of the pieces I felt that clearly stated its idea as a flag. The symmetry and pattern to the piece is very similar to flags flown around the world, and shows how flags are a universally understood concept. This piece has a literal component to it with the title being "Don't Tread on Me" and having an actual tire tread as a focal point to this piece. I like this play on word and I like the use of the tire tread in this piece. I also remember Adrienne Whaley, the Curator of Education, telling us how the artist's idea of flags and symbolism and what flag burning represent and if he were to create his own flag, it would have to be something very difficult to burn. Looking at this piece, seeing all the rubber and the tire being used, I know it would certainly be something very difficult to burn. 

This object is on display on the wall with its text piece alongside of it. Nearby are two more wall pieces. They also have the look and feel of representing flags. The installation in the first gallery has a lot of wall pieces, and surrounds the perimeter. The second gallery space has a few more larger sculptures, including some that the visitor can walk 360 degrees around.  

A background in architecture and building conservation would be beneficial to have a better understanding of some of the found objects that are used in the installation. It would be interesting to know what exactly the small hair-pin like objects that are in this object is and what they are usually used for. Was it a part of a machine? Did they hold together large skeins of rope? It would provide another level of insight and interpretation to the objects. 

Those who would not be interested in this object could be those who don't like this more rustic and modern style of art and sculpture. Those who prefer a more classic and elegant style aesthetic, rather than this more Americana and craft style. Some of the pieces are overwhelming with materials and can convey a lot of emotions and feelings. 

Opposing views would find these pieces to be too cluttered and confusing to be interpreted. This piece in particular, some would find the title to be misleading and think of the Gadsden Flag, and interpret the meaning of this piece in an entirely different way. 

Gadsden Flag

Programming ideas could be to have participants design their own flags or pieces that symbolize something important to them. Flags could be made from found materials and can be displayed in any fashion that the participant sees fit.