A Wistar Party

The Natural Philosopher and his “Cabinet of Curiosities”
Modern museums had their beginnings in the 17th and 18th century with the advent of Cabinets of curious and wondrous specimens.
Science-History Educator, Dean Howarth, assumes the role of Casper Wistar, Philadelphia man of science. Wistar was a member of the American Philosophical Society, friend of Jefferson, expert anatomist, tutor to Merriwether Lewis, assembler of mammoth bones, and namesake of the Wisteria! At his home on Locust Street, this polymath held Sunday night “Wistar Parties” where he gathered intellectuals, scientists, students, and travelers for intimate, comfortable conversations.
The Natural Philosopher will recreate a Wister Party incorporating his large collection of fossils, skeletons, and varied specimens of flora and fauna from the Americas and the globe. Narratives include pre-evolutionary theory, exploration, and the commerce behind botany and biology, the story of the young Mary Anning, the United Kingdom’s’ 1st female paleontologist, and the odd fossils found near Haddonfield!
www.livinghistoriesofscience.com

Saturday April 18th

2-3pm  Specimen viewing

3pm presentation