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
Institute Launches New Museum Tours, Including Touch-Based Program for the Visually Impaired
Unique learning experiences for students, adult clubs, and special groups highlight the science behind minerals, textiles, and fireworks.
Science History Institute Mourns Death of Pioneering Genome Scientist J. Craig Venter
The 2001 Biotechnology Heritage Award winner, who facilitated the Institute’s acquisition of the famed History of Molecular Biology Collection, was 79.
‘Flash! Bang! Boom!’ Exhibition Opening Lights Up the Night
Launch party attendees explore the history and science of fireworks with rare books, stunning artworks, set pieces, pyrotechnic-themed objects, a curator’s talk, and alfresco dining.