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

photo of prepackaged pizza with silverware
July 19, 2025
Drop-In Tours

School Lunch Tour

This interactive drop-in tour reveals how food scientists, the government, and the public have shaped in-school nutrition.

illustration of the ocean, with headline: First Production of Magnesium Metal from the Sea! Recording an epoch-making achievement in chemical engineering
July 19, 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!

Ellia Bisker and Jeff Morris wearing eclipse glasses in a dark studio
July 23, 2025
Performances

Charming Disaster: The Double

The Science History Institute invites you to an evening of music and scientific wonder!

    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.