Ordering the Cosmos: Charles Willson Peale and The Philadelphia Museum
with Robert McCracken Peck
In 1790, Charles Willson Peale opened a museum containing "objects of natural history and things useful and curious" which he hoped might one day be recognized as a cultural and scientific repository for the nation. It was to represent the culmination of a long and distinguished career in art and science that made Peale one of the most remarkably versatile figures of his age.
Peale's Philadelphia Museum, to which Thomas Jefferson would later give many of the artifacts collected by Lewis and Clark during their pioneering trip across North America, began its focus on the flora and fauna of the Delaware Valley, but quickly expanded to include other parts of the country and ultimately objects from around the world. It set standards for museums that are still applicable today. Using images of Peale's remarkable collections of paintings and artifacts, naturalist and historian Robert Peck will discuss Peale's seminal contributions to American art and science and place his museum in its broader cultural, artistic and scientific context.
An evening lecture series, Weeknights at the Wagner,invites experts into our Victorian lecture hall to speak on a range of science and history of science related subjects. Each talk includes a Q&A with the speaker. Our Annual Member Reception will follow this talk.
Program Schedule:
Museum open until 5:45 pm.
6 - 7:30 pm: Talk in the Lecture Hall.
7:30 - 8:30 pm: Reception in the Exhibit Hall.
The talk is free. The reception is free to current members. You may register for the lecture, the reception or both.
Annual Member Reception
After the lecture, stay for our Annual Member Reception with wine & nibbles in the Exhibit Hall! Enjoy refreshments, exchange ideas with fellow members, and explore the Wagner's vast natural history collection at this special evening event. The reception is free for current members and $15 for guests.