Another Random Philadelphia Treasure You’ve Probably Never Heard About

The Wagner Free Institute of Science is a natural history museum and educational institution that has remained as it was in the 19th century. It offers free public education courses on science - now in their 143rd year. These programs are the oldest free adult education classes in the United States. Incorporated in 1855, the Institute is named for its founders, William Wagner (1796-1885) and Louisa Binney Wagner (1814-1898) who wanted to provide free educational resources through public lectures, a library, and a museum. The museum is located in North Philadelphia, about two blocks from Temple University’s main campus; for more information, please see their website.