Schedule:

10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m: Free Museum Days: Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center

Come to learn about some of the creatures making the Schuylkill River their home. Collect a water sample at river’s edge and explore the micro-life in a drop of water. Try your hand at drawing some of the intricate and striking geometric designs of diatoms. Through hands-on activities, get to know the life of the freshwater mussel. Find out about our research on this important mollusk. It’s propagation season, so there is a possibility that we will be propagating mussels

Fairmount Water Works, the first successful water supply system in the nation, began operation in 1815 taking water from the pristine Schuylkill River and pumping it up to reservoirs on top of Fairmount. Our Interpretive Center allows visitors to explore the innovative design and engineering that contributed to Fairmount Water Works becoming a successful pump station and a premier tourist destination in the 1800’s. Stop by our theatre to watch an award-winning short film about our history. Learn about our current-day urban watershed issues. Visit our Mussel Hatchery and see science in action.

10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m: Free Museum Days: The Independence Seaport Museum (Building Only)

The Independence Seaport Museum encourages visitors of all ages to discover Philadelphia’s river of history and world of connections. Through award-winning exhibitions, guests will learn the connection the Delaware River has not only with the city but also with the region as a whole. Learn the story of the founding of the United States Navy (which happened in Philadelphia) in "Patriots & Pirates" and discover how the Delaware River is a crucial component for 15 million people in "River Alive". "At the Water’s Edge: Working and living along the Delaware River" uncovers the story of those who lived and worked along the Delaware River, and "Tides of Freedom" explores African-Americans’ struggle for freedom. A visit to the museum isn’t complete without carving out time to visit the Seaport Boat Shop, where guests can see, in real time, the skilled craftsmanship of boatbuilding. Plus, don’t forget to visit the Museum Store

10:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m: Free Museum Days: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts

Come to find a mixture of works across genres in our newest exhibition, "Artists as Cultivators." You can expect to see our master painters, juxtapose stunning contemporary works and works on paper by Ruth Fine for our (Re)Focus participation. In this exhibition, you can expect to see notable artists such as Charles Wilson Peale, Vanessa German, Charles Gaine, Arthur Dove, Horace Pippin, to name a few. You’ll also enjoy viewing former works from our previous exhibition, "Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America." You can find all mentioned artists and much more within our Historic Landmark Building which was built in 1876 to celebrate the centennial of the country as the first art museum and art school in the country which continues to train the future of American artists today.

4:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m: Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital Community Day

Come together with friends and family for an evening of fun at Cherashore Playground, hosted by Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital. Guests will enjoy entertainment, free food, including samples of Rita’s Water Ice, giveaways, lawn games, local vendors, and the opportunity to learn about healthcare services and job opportunities at Jefferson Health.