Science on Tap, Untapped: Legendary Science
Humans have been fascinated by the things we cannot fully explain since the beginning of time. Larger than life creatures like the Loch Ness Monster, Kraken, Bigfoot, and the recently discovered “Chinese Dragon” provide a glimpse into how humans have used the knowledge they have to help understand and explain phenomena in their world.
The Science History Institute hosts this special Science on Tap, where we’ll explore the myths, legends, and science behind some of our favorite mythical creatures. We’ll take a close look at how our initial interpretations have adapted and changed as our understanding of the world around us has grown.
This event also celebrates 15 years of Science on Tap programming. Come celebrate with us in the City of Brotherly Love with marvelous myths, food, and drinks.
Speakers
Kelsey Manahan-Phelan
Special Collections Librarian
Academy of Natural Sciences
Kelsey has spent eight years exploring the Academy’s library and archives collections, highlighting unique materials and crafting narratives that bring the story of the natural sciences to life. Her research focuses on the often overlooked contributions of 19th-century women naturalists, highlighting how their work was influenced by gender, race, and class.
Ali Rospond
Education Programs Manager
American Philosophical Society’s Library & Museum
Ali Rospond is the education programs manager at the American Philosophical Society’s Library & Museum. Ali creates, coordinates, and implements intergenerational, school, outreach, and informal adult programming at the Society. She has also worked as an educator at the Independence Seaport Museum.
Ali holds an MA in museum education from the University of the Arts and a BA in history and political science from Rutgers University.
Brigitte Keslinke
PhD Student, Art and Archaeology of the Mediterranean World Program
University of Pennsylvania
Brigitte is a PhD student in the Art and Archaeology of the Mediterranean World Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on the intersection of food, community, and religion in the Roman world. She has worked in Cyprus, Italy, and Turkey.
At the Penn Museum, Brigitte loves engaging with the public through the Graduate Guides and Daily Dig programs. Most recently, she helped to create tours for the Ancient Food & Flavor and Stories We Wear exhibitions.
Lisa Geiger
Digital Collections Specialist
Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library
Lisa Geiger has a background in urban archaeology and the material culture of historic reproductive care, as well as experience in museum registration and exhibitions. She holds an MA from Hunter College and a MSLIS from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Lisa currently works as the digital collections specialist at the Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library.
About Science on Tap, Untapped
Science on Tap, Untapped events combine everything you love about the popular Philly science café with new locations, activities, and dates. As always, the goal is to promote enthusiasm for science in a fun, spirited, and accessible way while also meeting new people.
Beer sponsorship provided by Human Robot.
Header image: Detail of “In Corpore est Anima & Spiritus” from Musaeum Hermeticum Reformatum et Amplificatum, 1678.
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