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. 

Favorite Object: Penn Museum

Okay... this was not an easy assignment. How would one simply chose a "favorite object" in this museum full of beautiful and significant objects? Statistically, it wasn't even possible... I didn't even see all of the objects so how can I name one of them my "favorite"? During our field trip I was completely overwhelmed. I couldn't focus on any objects knowing there are hundreds more in the same room. I wanted to give every object a chance, which quickly became a daunting task seeing as every object was significant, important, intriguing, beautiful, and, in some cases, a favorite object to someone else at one time. I went back to the Penn Museum over break, to give myself more time and not rush, and still felt that there was no way to choose one object. Even reviewing my photos, I still can't decide. Oy.

My visits to the Penn Museum were unreal. I didn't know what to expect when I first visited. I had no idea how large it was, how it was laid out, and what type of things I would see. The Egyptian Galleries gave me chills. Viewing the Chinese and Japanese collections under the spacious Rotunda was surreal and made me feel tiny and small, but in an awestruck sort of way. The combination of objects and artifacts with their history was a lot to take in, but the Penn Museum also provided a lot of information about how the objects were collected providing me with the history about the history of finding the objects. This fascinated me, and added to the tricky task of choosing ONE thing. 

And then I found out that the Penn Museum has over a million objects and only 5% are on display.

So long story short, for my favorite object, I chose an interactive in the Artifact Lab. I partially feel like I'm taking an easy way out, since there are so many amazing objects filling this museum. But it was interesting and I liked how it was presented. 

See What a Conservator Sees Interactive

September 2012

The See What a Conservator Sees interactive is an activity involving high powered microscopes connected to computer screens to easily display the magnification. With it are slides of materials that conservators look at. There is two of each type of material, a newer version and an older version, to allow for comparisons between the two. This display was engaging and interesting to see how some materials change over time and how conservators look for these changes to understand how old and figure out the story of some objects.

Materials provided included: Copper, Linen, and Papyrus

This object is found "In The Artifact Lab" room that was opened on September 30, 2012. It is very new, and does not have a lot of wear. Its location in the Artifact Lab is right up against the lab windows, allowing visitors to almost feel as though they are in the lab as well, working on analyzing the materials. Since it is right next to the lab glass, there are real mummies nearby along with other instruments and tools for conservation that the conservationists are using, though they are on the other side of the glass. 

The interactive is very modern and simple and fits in with the lab setting. The technology is easy to use and not overly complicated and shows the magnification very well. I now presume an Exhibit Developer created this concept since it is very easy for the public to understand and use and it explains what the conservationist are doing with the microscopes in their lab, and what they are looking for. The slides were very durable and the directions were easy to follow.

Other fields of study to enrich my understanding would be conservation, and further knowledge on these materials and textiles in relationship to anthropology. In addition, knowing more about how these materials break down, and how they date the objects (carbon dating or other methods) would also be something to explore. 

Those not interested in this interactive could be those more interested in the mummy next to it. As I was exploring the interactive, everyone else in the lab was right up against the glass looking at the mummies and talking with the conservationist. Also those who are not interested in the small details and how conservation is done, but rather would like to know the history and story about the objects and materials, not the scientific process that is involved with figuring out the history. 

Only text provided with this activity

Opposing views would find the object to be too simplistic and doesn't provide enough text about how materials and how they relate to the conservation process. I agree, and wish there was more information about each of the materials or about the microscopes. I do not know what magnification the microscope was and wish I knew, and what type of microscope it was why they chose that type and if it provides advantages over other types of microscopes.

Programming for this interactive would be to already have magnifications of the materials and do a matching activity with the old material vs. the new material to see if visitors can determine which is which before using the microscope. Also providing anomalies and examples of things that provide a lot of information in the materials such as discoloration of a certain type of metal means that "xyz" took place at one time. 

Favorite Object: American Philosophical Society

Case I. Arioso: Lenticular Cloud

Photographed in Brazil

1968 Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects by Edward Condon

The Arioso Case is filled with pictures of clouds and cloud classifications. In my personal top 5 list of things that make me happy, fluffy white cumulus clouds on bright blue skies is number 2. Clouds in general are another one of my favorite things, and are one of my favorite topics in meteorology, and one of my favorite things to teach in Earth Science. I love cloud classification, and I am usually that person who will name drop the scientific name of the cloud formation outside. I also love cloud watching and finding shaped and pictures in the clouds. So naturally, this was my favorite case in the Tempus Fugit exhibit. The Lenticular Cloud photograph especially, since I knew what it was and with the lack of text and information that I (along with most others) wished for, it was something I could identify. Lenticular clouds are "lens" shaped (disc shaped) clouds and form in high altitudes. The images I have most often seen them with are with tall mountains. These clouds are often mistaken for flying saucers since they are so unusual looking. 

 

Examples of more Lenticular Clouds 

This picture was used in Edward Condon's Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects report in 1968. The Air Force commissioned this study to provide a scientific approach to UFO's and extraterrestrial activity. Condon explained most UFO sightings, including Lenticular clouds scientifically, and found no evidence linking know UFO's and aliens. There have been no large-scale studies on UFO's since this report. This photo is from the American Philosophical Society's (APS) collection.

Case I: Arioso 

This object is on display in the Arioso Case with other photographs of clouds. The artist statement explains that the exhibit is about how humans organize and measure time. Lisa Weidman, the Associate Curator of Museum Education at APS, explained that this case may suggest as to why and how we name something like clouds, and is there a right way to do so.  As a scientist, I believe absolutely. Classification is important. From an artistic perspective however, I can understand, how something such as clouds that are always changing, how can you classify them. The theme of the entire exhibition is time and clouds do have a large role in the space, including the large video on display in the center of the room, showing a cloud changing in space over time. Since clouds are not permanent, why classify them? Back to being a scientist, I like how NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has classified them based on height and appearance. Cloud classification is necessary for predicting future weather and atmosphere patterns.

Cloud images with their classifications

Photo of cloud used in video display

The display case, like all other cases in the exhibition, did not have any text or information about the pieces. Like the other cases in the exhibit, there was a book element in the case. Two more photos of lenticular clouds were on a book display. I do not know if the book is from the museum's collection. There were also pictures of clouds and their classifications, and a framed photo of the cloud used in the video reflected upon itself. All the media in this case were photos of clouds, providing a clear focus on the subject for this case rather than some of the other cases that were more difficult to connect. I think clouds are an interesting subject matter for expressing time and liked the artist’s use of it in the video and the tiny picture on the wall across from the video. I really enjoyed watching the video, and how while time passed, the cloud changed, though it was not obvious to the viewer that it was changing. 

Fields of study to further my understanding for this case and collection would be in meteorology to continue my knowledge of cloud classification. Another field to study could be Latin  since the name of the exhibit is Latin for "time flies". Arioso is Italian for "airy", though I could not find a direct Latin translation for the word. In addition, studying modern art and ways to interpret it would also benefit me since I did not understand some of the other cases. I did however really enjoy the objects used and the theme of Earth Science (geology, astronomy, meteorology). I just wish there was more text and content to tell me what the objects were. 

Those not interested in this object could be those with little interest in connecting natural events to an artistic approach and would rather have a scientific explanation of why and how lenticular clouds form. Also those who would rather know more about the UFO research done by Edward Condon. Opposing views would find this object to be representing an unusual phenomenon that nature has created and the curious idea of UFO's and extraterrestrial activity and what they mean to mankind. 

Other experiences would be to go outside on a nice day and watch the clouds. Watching how they develop over a span of time and how they change and move. Also trying to find a new way to classify clouds based on a new interpretation of clouds. Another idea could be drawing clouds and comparing with others what each person cloud interpretation looks like and how it differs from others could also explore the artist’s ideas of how time and clouds change. Also learning more about unusual cloud patterns and formations. I was reminded of this recent article about a new cloud classification, while viewing this display case. 

New Cloud Classification: Undulatus asperatus (agitated wave)

Favorite Object: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Land Snail Shells

The Academy's Malacology Collection

West Africa, East Africa, Cuba, Paupa New Guinea

The Marveling at Mollusks exhibit above the main entrance showcases shells and specimens of other mollusks from the Academy's Malacology Department. My favorite was the land snails. The collection includes Cuban Tree Snails, Emerald Tree Snails, and Giant African Snails. The shells are beautiful and unique. They are an example of how nature creates beautiful objects that are functional. Snails are one of my favorite creatures which are another reason why I like this object. I find them fascinating and my friends associate them with me because I like them so much. 

Additional Land Snail Shells seen at Shell Show Festival on October 20, 2012

The shells were collected by the Academy's scientists, in this case an expert in Malacology, the study of mollusks. It's on display in glass cases with black sand and black backgrounds. The stark background and sand contrast greatly against the specimens and allow them to stand out and pop. Each case has a label in front of it that is easy to read and provides and interesting information about the specimens. The bright green Emerald Tree Snail shells are vivid and stand out in the case, but in the jungles where they are found, they are actually camouflaged. Other specimens in this space include shells from clams, scallops, conches, nautiluses, and other mollusks. The array of different mollusk shells allows for comparisons between the species and notice trends and similarities. For example, the spiral patterns in snail shells are similar to the chambered nautiluses, and allowed me to think about the nature of mathematics and the Fibonacci spiral.

Shells in display case with text panel

Fields of study to enrich my understanding would be to study Malacology and learn more about mollusks and snails. Going to exotic locales such as Cuba, Philippines, and Taiwan to look at some of the snails in their natural habitat wouldn't hurt either. 

Those who would not be interested in this object could be those who find snails creepy or gross or those who are not interested in mollusks in general. Opposing views would find the shells repetitive and too similar to distinguish differences between the specimens. Others could also oppose to the information provided on the text panel and could want either more scientific details, or more fun facts. 

Other experiences that would engage the viewer would be the Shell Show Festival the museum held three weeks ago. The festival had crafts, activities, and live animals, along with the actual shell show that showcased scientific data and shell collections from experts to amateurs. The festival also featured Sailor's Valentines, which were stunning art pieces made entirely of shells. Programming I could develop would be about these Sailor's Valentines and how they are made and designed and other explorations into crafting with shells. Here are some of the examples of crafts and Valentine's I saw at the show. 

Piece made entirely of shells, including vase

Sailor's Valentine made entirely of shells and sea urchin needles

Large flowers made entirely of shells

Favorite Object: Please Touch Museum

(photo from www.myphillyalive.com)

Space Station exhibit in Flight Fantasy 

This week's visit to the Please Touch Museum was a lot of fun and I am still impressed by the larger than life set and exhibit design that was put in to this beautiful building. I remember going to the Please Touch Museum as a child with my younger brother, and thinking it was fun but enjoying the Franklin Institute more because it felt bigger and more exciting to me and at the time the Franklin was more age appropriate for me. I feel like if I had experienced this Please Touch Museum as a child, the colorful murals and large trees and cloud installations and the ability to feel as though you are always stepping into a new place every time you change areas would have captivated me. It is a really exciting environment to be in. As an adult, learning about the history and architecture of Memorial Hall is also fascinating to me. I recently did a research paper on the Please Touch Museum's collections and how it meets its audiences. I find the museum does a great job of creating their exhibits to be for children 7 and under, their target audience they defined, and also providing tours and the Centennial Exhibit for the accompanying adults who want to know more about the history. During my visit in the summer, myself and the adults I was with wanted to know more about the building and the little things around the museum, such as plaques on the wall in the main lobby telling you that it’s painted in period colors, and the more text rich Centennial Exhibit answered our need to know more about the building. 

Variables available for rocket launching

That aside, my favorite area in the museum is the Flight Fantasy play area. I think it’s the scientist in me because the area's interactives are based on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities. The futuristic blue and neon colors are so bright and transport you to space. A lot of the exhibits provide a lot of different variables to try and manipulate to learn from. My favorite “object” or interactive is the rocket building activity in the Space Station room. The exhibit is based on building a rocket and launching it using air cannon. Children can choose different shapes and sizes to experiment with to see what flies the best. Again, I appreciate the use of variables to encourage inquiry based learning. The interactive is futuristic looking and is designed to look like a space launch pad and the center piece looks like a giant rocket. 

Solar System stained glass- want!!

The Space Station room is large and open feeling with large windows with solar system themed stained glass on the windows and a giant solar system displayed from the ceiling. Where can I get these things for my future house one day? I love the feeling of the space and the room and it evokes imagination and wonder about space. As a child I was a part of a local astronomy club and I did a lot of stargazing with our telescope. Astronomy was one of my first interests in science and what lead me to a teaching certificate in Earth and Space Science. The importance of getting children of all ages interested in science is something I understand and appreciate, hence why I like this area and exhibit so much.

The Flight Fantasy Area is the newest play area at the Please Touch Museum and was opened in October 2010.

Other exhibits in the Space Station area include a blue screen for visitors to dress up and see themselves in space, and a cloud hopping interactive. This news clip provides a great demonstration of the rocket launching interactive and blue screen.  

The rocket building interactive can lead to children wanting to explore fields in engineering and astronomy to enrich their exploration. The entire space can help create an interest in science and technology in both young and old audiences. For me personally to understand the object better, either a greater background in rocket engineering and projectile motion or a greater knowledge of early childhood fine motor skills development and how they interpret STEM concepts and what the lasting impression of this interactive has on them.

Those who would not be interested in this object could be those with little interest in space and children with a brief attention span who don't first get the idea of trying lots of variations of rockets, unless a parent encourages it, or parents who also don't try the variables and believe it’s a once and done activity. Opposing views would believe that it is meant to be just a try it once and move on and miss the concept of exploration with all the different sized rockets and shapes. 

Other experiences that would engage the visitor could be stomp rockets or catapults to learn about projectile motion. Stomp rockets are a great activity to be made at home and can be done with children of all ages including high school students and kindergartners. 

Favorite Object: American Swedish Historical Museum

Picture from http://www.americanswedish.org

Chicago Room Mural

1937

Wood

Ewald Dahlskog

The Chicago Room at the American Swedish Historical Museum (ASHM) features Swedish builders and Architects who have made contributions to American History. The focal point of the room is the large wood inlay mural that takes up the entire wall. The mural is made of 103 different types of wood. It depicts builders and carpenters at work creating notable works from Swedish contributors to America. From left to right it shows a log structure along the Delaware River Valley, The Chicago Skyline, and Holy Trinity Church. I have not seen wood used in this way before and found the mural to be very eye-catching and impressive. It was a really stunning way to show the Art Deco style of the 1930's, and the industrial movement in Chicago. During my first visit to the museum, it was my favorite piece I saw and told other people about that day. While I have been doing my assistantship at the ASHM I have become familiar with many other objects and have not had a chance to spend time upstairs and become familiar with this object.
The piece took over five years to complete and was dedicated to the museum on June 25, 1937.
The piece is the main focal point of the Chicago room. The rest of the room is devoted to work of Swedish Architects and builders and the museums hand-made Swedish Silver. The smaller display cases in the room allows the mural to really stand out in the room. The smaller pieces provide more insight on Swedish Architecture and contribute to the mural.
Not having a background in history, Swedish culture, or architecture, I have very little understanding and background information about this object. More knowledge on Swedish contributions to American design would enhance my knowledge of this piece and more knowledge about building and architecture would also provide a better background.
People who would not be interested in this object would be those with little interest in Art Deco style pieces, and woodwork. Opposing views would find that this piece does not symbolize enough what Swedish builders and architects have contributed to society. Experiences to engage viewers with this piece would be displays showing how the piece was made and what types of wood were used to make it since I am fascinated with how this medium was used and how the mural was made.

Favorite Object: Philadelphia Zoo

Polar Bears and Habitat
Both acquired by the Philadelphia Zoo in October 1981

This week's trip to the Philadelphia Zoo was enjoyable, relaxing, and fun. I have visited the zoo many times before throughout my childhood and my adult life, so it was also nice to come to a familiar and nostalgic place for our practicum this week. I have many favorite animals, and could never choose a favorite. For this assignment I went with the exhibit that is most engrained in my memory, and what comes to mind when I think of going to the Philadelphia Zoo. For me, it's the polar bears. The polar bear exhibit hasn't changed much since I was a child, and I remember being completely captivated by it as a kid. I think it’s the bright blue water, and how you can gain two different perspectives of the exhibit. During a visit as a kid, I remember the polar bears were swimming and playing in the water and being very active. They had a ball they were playing with, and I just remember us standing there by the blue glass and watching it for ages. Every time I go back to the zoo and go to the polar bears I always go to the underwater glass side first in hopes they are playing in the water. 

From the Philadelphia Zoo Website, I found how the zoo acquired their polar bears:

Klondike: Female, born November 23, 1980 at the Bronx Zoo in New York. She arrived at the Zoo on October 1, 1981. She weighs over 475 lbs.

Coldilocks: Female, born December 13, 1980 at Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, NY. She arrived at the Zoo on October 6, 1981. She is slightly smaller than Klondike, but still weighs over 450 lbs.

After reading this, I realized that both of these polar bears are 31 years old, and are the same polar bears I've seen since my childhood, which makes me even more excited to make them my favorite "object" this week. 

The polar bear pen is more unique than other pens at the zoo, and is the reason why it’s my favorite object. There are two distinct viewing areas: one on level with the ground land and the second lower with underwater views of the pool. There are large rocks and a waterfall and steps for the polar bears. I’ve seen the polar bears playing on the rock formation and in the waterfall as well. The underwater viewing area has rails and a few steps so many visitors can spend time in the area to view the action. It also allows the viewer to go right up to the glass. The upper level allows for a larger viewing of the pen and can see the polar bears up close while they are on the land. 

Pool viewing area

This exhibit is in "Bear Country" with the Andean Bear, Sloth Bear, and Asiatic Black Bear nearby. There are also two sign boards near the water viewing area. The one sign goes along with the zoo's mission of conservation and explains how in the 1970's an agreement was signed to protect the polar bears and in result the polar bear population has increased. However I was surprised to see no signs or information about recent trends in global climate change and shrinking ice caps and how the polar bear population has been affected. I believe this sign is out of date, because polar bear population trends have been drastically changing (some populations decreasing while only a few are increasing) in very recent decades.

 

Fields of study to increase my understanding of the polar bear would be zoology and biology. More recently though, I think a greater understanding of global climate change and the Arctic Circle and the changes it is undergoing. In my personal experience of teaching about climate change and environmental sciences, Polar bears are a popular talking point of the global climate change debate and students and children connect and understand the impact of the shrinking ice caps have on the polar bear population and want to help in some way. Also on the Philadelphia Zoo website, the Life on Ice blog provides field research being done by a Philadelphia Zoo staff member. 

Those who may not be interested in this object would be those who are afraid of bears. Those who would not be interested in having a discussion about polar bears would be those who don't feel as those climate change is real and affecting our planet. 

Opposing views would find that this environment is not the natural environment of the polar bears and they should not be living here in Philadelphia, or if they are able to adapt to conditions in Philadelphia, why can't the polar bears in the Arctic Circle adapt to increasing temperatures and shrinking ice caps.

The zoo does focus on conservation and does offer a lot of programming on polar bears and conservation efforts to help the polar bears.  The Zoo on Wheels outreach program has an Animal Action Lab with a focus choice on Polar Bears. The field experience blog also engages viewer. More ideas would be to put up new text panels about shrinking ice caps, and use education demo carts to show more about the lives of polar bears. 

Favorite Object: Rosenbach Museum & Library

Photo: Rosenbach Museum & Library. 1954.2017 

Decorative Orbital Clock

Early 18th Century

Marble, Metal

Jean-Baptiste Baillon

This Jean-Baptiste Baillon clock was my favorite object on display at the Rosenbach Museum & Library this week. My favorite thing about the museum was the overall history about the Rosenbach Brothers and how they came to amount so many objects and how their interests defined them. I also highly enjoyed the Steven Colbert exhibit and the Maurice Sendak exhibit. This clock however, caught my eye when we were taking the tour of the house. The large golden snakes were what I noticed first on this larger than life vase/sculpture and it fit in with the fine art and pieces that Philip Rosenbach collected. When Farrar Fitzgerald, The Assistant Director of Education, informed us it was a clock, I became even more amazed by the piece. I find old fashioned clocks interesting and I am always impressed by the mechanics and working of them from past time periods. Let alone, this piece was completely original and had a unique concept that I had never seen before, hence why I chose this object. The snakes tell the time with their tongues, with the numbers displayed on a horizontal dial that revolves around the top of the vase sculpture. The clock is ornate and reflects a classic timeless style. 

Close up detail of snake and tongue used to indicate time

Photo: Rosenbach Museum & Library 

This object was acquired by the museum through Philip Rosenbach's collection of decorative arts. It is on display in the Rosenbach dining room with many of the other decorative and fine art pieces he collected. It fits in well since the room is full of these fine art pieces and shows that it was a room that belonged to someone with wealth. It is not the focus of the room, but rather a complimenting piece to the entire feel of the dining room. 

A background in Art History or clock making would give me a better appreciation of the piece. The Rosebach Museum has a blog with this post about the piece that gave me a greater understanding about this piece and the creator of it. 

Those who would not be interested in this piece would be those who are not interested in fine and decorative arts. For the Rosenbach museum, it could be visitors who came to see the manuscript and rare book collections or the Maurice Sendak collection. Opposing views on this piece would find the piece to be more about the sculpture and the detail of the piece and the art history of the significance this piece holds, rather than the interesting clockwork detail that I am interested in. 

Other experiences would be to see more of the clockmaker's pieces in other museums around the world, or to visit the National Clock & Watch Museum in Colombia, Pa which has been on my museums to see list for a while. 

Favorite Object: National Constitution Center

Grace Cable's Girl Scouts Registration Card

1919

Pen on Paper

Unknown/ Grace Cable

During this week's visit to the Constitution Center, I finally got to see the 100 Years of Girl Scouting Exhibit that I had on my "to do" list since moving here in May. In my first post on this blog, I wrote about my bear scare bracelet, an object I acquired from my many years of attending Girl Scout Camp. Girl Scouting has been a large part of who I am and has made me the individual I am today. I joined a Girl Scout troop when I was in the third grade, and stayed in a troop until I started high school. Although I quit troop camping, I still stayed a registered Girl Scout and continued to volunteer for council and work for summer camps as an adult Girl Scout. When I was 18 I was an assistant troop leader for a brownie troop. From ages 19-21 I was a camp counselor. While most women are considered to be former Girl Scouts, it was a part of their youth, Girl Scouting for me was something I continued as an adult, and it continues to have some sort of role in my life, even though I currently am not a registered Girl Scout anymore. 

This being said, I definitely had an emotional connection with the exhibit and found it very interesting. All the objects on display were things I can relate to and had sense of familiarity with. All the objects dealing with summer camp had the most impact on me, therefore the case "Summer Camp Memories" was my favorite. The registration card is something I had never seen before and found the most interesting. I believe it is an overall Girl Scout registration card, and not a summer camp registration card. The document was filled out in 1919. It included information about the Girl Scout: name, address, school, date of birth, and religion. Religion was unusual to me, but for the time period, and the history of the Girl Scouting stating God in the law and promise, it then made sense to me. What is really interesting about this document are the types of badges being earned. Some of them are subjects that are associated with women, and roles that women held in that time period, such as cook, gardener, home nursing, housekeeper, laundress, and needlewoman. What is more surprising is the amount of activities that are not ones that are always associated with women in the household. Automobiling, boatswain, clerk, farmer, workmanship, and woodcraft, are all activities that I at least find unexpected for the time period for women to be achieving. However, this is why I like this object so much. Girl Scouting is a very proactive and pro-woman organization, and from the very beginning did not adhere to women stereotypes. Some of the more amusing activities on the list include telegraphist, ambulance and laundress. Not sure if girls today would want to earn their badges in "laundry skills". 

Zoomed in image of Registration Card to Show Badges

This object was acquired by a private lender. I presume it is someone who knew Grace Cable. The record at one time had belonged to her. The object is on display in a case with other objects from Ms. Cable, including a camp smock from 1921 with two years of signatures from fellow campers and a box of feathers. The sign board explains that she left no indication of what the feathers were or what their meaning was, but I can relate all too well as to what significance they must have held to her. My bear scare bracelet being a key example, and the boxes of random things I have held from camp are also kept in my closet. I shared with my friend, a fellow camper and co-worker with me at camp about this exhibit and the mention about the unexplained feathers, and we both agreed "That's just what you do at camp". Everything has some sort of significance, no matter how small. Also nearby on the wall are pictures of girls at camp. 

To learn more about this object, I could learn more in depth about the history of Girl Scouts, especially during the early 1920's. I am familiar with some of the terminology being used on the document, however some words are unfamiliar to me such as Tenderfoot Test and how progression through some of the ranks had worked back then in comparison to how it works today. 

Individuals who would not be interested in this object are those who are not interested in Girl Scouting, or their messages. Also those who have not experienced Girl Scout camp or Scouting in general and have little understanding of how badges and Scouting works. 

Opposing views would argue that this document showed a much more rigid Girl Scouting regimen and that it was taken far more seriously. They could argue that the activities being done in the past were done more as life skills rather than for interest and pursuing new fields of study. Also some, such as one particular Indiana State Representative, may argue that Girl Scouts are radical feminists and are secretly plotting to destroy the youth of America.

Other objects in this exhibit did a great job of engaging viewers with this object. There was a camping tent, uniforms, songbooks, and other memorabilia throughout the decades to gather an understanding of what Girl Scouting has been about throughout the last 100 years. Experiences one can partake in to gain more knowledge and interest in this object is attending a troop meeting, going to summer camp, partake in Thinking Day, or attending the annual GirlScout Rock the Mall in Washington DC. 

Happy 100th Anniversary Girl Scouts!