WHYY: Exhibition Traces a 200-Year History of Water Pollution in Philadelphia
Local public media outlet features Institute’s new ‘Downstream’ exhibition.
Downstream, the Science History Institute’s new exhibition that explores 200 years of water analysis and protection, is featured on WHYY as part of its Watershed series. The public media outlet spoke to research curator Jesse Smith, who explains how people could see, smell, and taste contaminants in the waterways throughout Philadelphia in the late 1700s.
“It was biological,” said Smith. “Waste from industries like tanning, like brewing, animals that were left to rot in waterways, and also vast amounts of human waste.”
Above: Research curator Jesse Smith stands in front of a Downstream display in the Institute’s museum. Kimberly Paynter/WHYY
More News
2025 Curious Histories Fest Celebrates School Lunch History with Pickle Tastings, Cooking Demos, Ice Cream, and More
Visitors explore the science of food—and fun!—at Institute’s “What’s for Lunch?” festival.
Science History Institute Launches Library Tour Program
Guided tours of the Othmer Library of Chemical History begin June 18.
Science History Institute Featured in ‘New York Times,’ ‘PhillyVoice’
Museum staff share their insights into our Lunchtime exhibition and a coconut from our collections used in early MRI imaging research.