2026 Philadelphia Lantern Slide Salon

Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm - in the Wagner's lecture hall

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, Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Commercial Museum Lantern Slide Collection, and the Wagner Free Institute of Science.

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 marvel at the diverse landscapes of Hawaii, look at floral slides captured using Lumière autochromes, the world's first commercially successful color photographic process, view snippets from lectures, textbooks, and films developed by the United Fruit Company and the Philadelphia Inter-State Dairy Council to better market their products to children, and so much more!

Predating the motion picture, lantern slides were used for entertainment and to illustrate educational programs, including those held at the Wagner. This event will be held in the Wagner’s Victorian-era lecture hall using our historic lantern projector. Please join us for this rare treat as we revive an old technology in order to see culturally significant lantern slide collections from the libraries and archives of Philadelphia’s most distinguished institutions!

Images:

Puhala tree (Pandanus tectorius), Hawaii, December 13, 1893. Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Library and Archives

Bermuda (circa 1930) by James Lawrence Dillon. PHS McLean Library & Archives

• The Museum will be open to visitors until the talk begins at 6 PM.

• Advance registration is appreciated and will speed your entry but is not required.

• There is no coat check or place to stow personal items – please travel light. Food and drink are not permitted in the lecture hall or museum.

• The Institute does not have a parking lot. There is free street parking on Montgomery Avenue and free 2-hour parking on many streets near the Wagner. Metered parking is available on Cecil B. Moore Ave. The closest garage parking is at the Liacouras Center at Temple University. The entrance is on 15th Street, below Montgomery Avenue.

A dream that keeps growing…

In 1855, William Wagner had a dream of providing free science education to anyone who wanted to learn, regardless of background or ability to pay. Today, the Wagner offers more programs to more people than ever before! Your support helps us provide free education, not only through the museum, but through a wide range of courses, lectures, field trips, and children’s science programs. Donations also assist us in caring for the museum and library collections and in preserving our wonderful building, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. To learn more about what we do please visit our website.

In keeping with its original charter, admission is free—donations are suggested to ensure the future and quality of Wagner's free education programs and to preserve its National Landmark building and collections.

Suggested Donations

$15/adult

$8/student

For any questions, please email communications@wagnerfreeinstitute.org or call 215-763-6529 x13.

If you would like to check your membership status or become a member, please email [email protected] or call 215-763-6529 x11.