2025 Philadelphia Lantern Slide Salon

Thursday, October 23, 2025, 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, 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 the libraries and archives of Philadelphia’s most distinguished institutions.

Images:

St. Joan of Arc Parish. Catholic Historical Research Center of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

“Great Meadows from Jenny Jump Forest.” New Jersey State Archives.

D'Ascenzo Studio Archives, Athenaeum of Philadelphia

• 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

$10/adult

$5/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.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 West Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia, United States