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.

Confirmed Speakers

Stay tuned to this page for more information about event speakers.

Kelsey Manahan-Phelan.

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 in sage green, smiling, in front of exhibition display
Ali Rospond.

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 in glasses, smiling, wearing light stone-brown
Brigitte Keslinke.

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.

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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