October 7-13, 2004

mixpicks

Restorative Cure

by Juliet Fletcher

Not many treatments or ointments can honestly present themselves as "cure-alls." But the Wagner Free Institute of Science, the North Philly-based natural history and science museum which dates back to 1855, a time when the public looked to science for miracle cures, opens its doors for the season and offers the one thing it believes is good for all: access to books and insightful explanation of science. The season's opening event this Saturday, Wagner's Miracle Cure, offers the chance to "drink from the font of science and inspiration"—whether through tours of the main permanent exhibits or expert information imparted by museum director Susan Glassman.

It's been an industrious time behind the scenes, too. After five years of work, the newly restored library wing will be unveiled this weekend, when the public will be allowed a one-time-only swing through the stacks of books. (All the contents are usually accessible for research purposes, but browsing opportunities are rare.) The Wagner's collection, according to librarian Lynn Dorwaldt, contains volumes "dating from the 1700s to the 1940s, and mostly cover natural history," many of which include hand-colored plates. So, in addition to restoring the wing to its original fin-de-siécle glory—it was built in 1892 as the first Free Library site, but has lain empty since 1962—Dorwaldt says they've now built a book conservation center, which will take as much care of the books as the renovators have of their home.

Wagner's Miracle Cure, Sat., Oct. 9, noon-4 p.m., free, Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 W. Montgomery Ave., 215-763-6529.