Celebrate Archives Month Philly in the Wagner’s historic lecture hall as we view glass lantern slides from local special collections!

Thursday, October 23, 6:00-7:30
Wagner Free Institute of Science
1700 W. Montgomery Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19121
Free
In-person
RSVP info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-philadelphia-lantern-slide-salon-tickets-1622303165439?aff=ArchivesMonthPhilly

Celebrate Archives Month Philly at the Wagner Free Institute of Science as we showcase glass lantern slides from the special collections of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the American Philosophical Society, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia, Catholic Historical Research Center of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, New Jersey State Archives, and the Wagner Free Institute of Science during our annual Philadelphia Lantern Slide Salon.

In the spirit of lantern exhibition culture, this salon will bring together unique and rarely-seen images presented in the context for which they were originally created. Viewers will join two scientists on their 1937 trip to Mexico to conduct fieldwork, witness the emergence of a new parish in 1919 North Philadelphia, experience the beginning days of the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, get a glimpse of the inner-workings of famed stained glass artist Nicola D’Ascenzo and his studio, and so much more!

Predating the motion picture, lantern slides were used for entertainment and to illustrate educational programs. The Philadelphia Lantern Slide Salon will be held in the Wagner’s Victorian-era lecture hall using a historic lantern projector. Please join us for a rare treat as we revive an old technology in order to see culturally significant lantern slide collections from Philadelphia area libraries and archives.