Philadelphia’s history as an industrial powerhouse is more than factories and railroads. From the city’s peak residential population to the explosion of rail transport, animals played a surprising role in shaping urban life in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Join zooarchaeologist Katherine Moore for a unique perspective on Philadelphia’s past. Moore will reveal what animal bones, historical records, and urban landscapes tell us about the connections between animals, industry, and daily life. Discover how shifts in animal labor, food production, and even the chemical industry helped define this pivotal era in the city’s history.

Katherine Moore.

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are not required for this event.

About the Speaker

Katherine Moore, PhD, is the Mainwaring Teaching Specialist for Zooarchaeology in the Center for Analysis of Archaeological Materials and a practice professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania. She works on ancient animal bones that are the remains of food, pets, pests, and herd animals, untangling the multiple roles that animals have played in the lives of people.

About the Series

Science on Tap is a monthly speaker series that features brief, informal presentations by Philadelphia-based scientists and other experts followed by lively conversation and a Q&A. The goal is to promote enthusiasm for science in a fun, spirited, and accessible way, while also meeting new people. Come join the conversation!

More events

Magikooler Leisure Chest, 1950s
July 12, 2025
For Families

Stories of Science: Summertime Science

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

July 14, 2025
Science on Tap

America’s Scientific Revolutionaries

As the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches, Jeffery R. Appelhans highlights the American Philosophical Society’s efforts to shed light on the overlooked scientific revolution from 1763 to 1804.

Science History Institute Othmer Library
July 16, 2025
Free

Othmer Library Tour

Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History!

    Republish

    Copy the above HTML to republish this content. We have formatted the material to follow our guidelines, which include our credit requirements. Please review our full list of guidelines for more information. By republishing this content, you agree to our republication requirements.