FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ____________________ Best kids museum for science buffs

NEW: AFTER HOURS GUIDED TOURS of HISTORIC MUSEUMWAGNER FREE INSTITUTE OF SCIENCECOMING MARCH 1, 2005

CONTACT: Liam Gallagher, 215-763-6529, ext. 15 for further information

“Here is a temple of learning, with an interior that in terms of scientific, social and historic interest, must have few equals in this world.” – Lucinda Lambton, OLD NEW WORLD. 2000.

Beginning March 1, 2005, the Wagner Free Institute of Science will host after hours guided tours of its historic nineteenth century museum.

These tours – led by Museum Educator Liam Gallagher – will include a slide presentation in the historic lecture hall and a guided walk through the research library and the exhibition hall. The Institute’s interior is nearly unchanged since the 1890s and offers a remarkable encounter with the past. Come and see a Victorian collection as it was intended to be experienced!

3:30 – 4:00 PM. Slide presentation in historic lecture hall.4:00 – 5:00 PM. Professionally guided tour of National Landmark museum.

Wednesdays – Fridays. Tours available for groups larger than 10. Call for appointment.Walk-in Tuesdays! Every Tuesday. Please come no later than 3:30. Tours begin promptly.

Prices: $15 for adults. $10 for seniors, students, WFIS members $5 for children 12 and under (children under 12 must be accompanied by adult).

Founded in 1855, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is a museum and educational institution that is nearly unchanged from the nineteenth century. The museum building, a National Historic Landmark completed in 1865, houses a natural history collection begun by William Wagner in the early nineteenth century and expanded by naturalist Joseph Leidy in the 1880’s. The collection includes skeletons, fossils, shells, minerals and mounted animals. The Museum is open free of charge to the public Tuesday-Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

The Institute’s free public education courses in science are in their 149th year, making them the oldest program devoted to free adult education in the United States. The Institute also has a strong commitment to children’s education. It offers a range of programs for visiting school groups, and cultivates special partnerships with neighboring inner-city schools.

Wagner Free Institute of Science1700 West Montgomery AvenuePhiladelphia, PA 19121ph 215-763-6529 · fax 215-763-1299www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org