Science and Fiction at the Franklin Institute
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
PHILADELPHIA, PA - One of the oldest science and learning centers in the United States is still one of the best places for a field trip, with school or family. The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will celebrate its 185th anniversary this year. One of the reasons for the success, and staying power, of the Franklin Institute is their ability to change with the times. Their passion for learning keeps the exhibits fresh and interesting and their expertise in a number of areas incorporates the latest technology for engaging people of all ages in learning about our world.
Currently the Institute is made up of three divisions; The Science Center, the Center for Innovations in Science Learning, and the Benjamin Franklin Center. No matter how they divide the institute, there is a lot going on all the time, everywhere you turn. We recently visited the Chronicles of Narnia exhibit, which runs through April 19, 2009.
Follow Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy through the wardrobe for a look at the science of Narnia. For those who have seen the movie this traveling exhibit looks behind the scenes at many of the props, costumes and characters that make up C. S. Lewis's famous book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Even if you haven't seen the movie, the exhibit creates a learning experience that, like the movie, goes beyond the expected. Walt Disney and Walden Media have created an educator's guide for the Narnia exhibit that highlights learning opportunities from global warming (remember the ice queen), to researching the habitat needs of four Narnia mammals. Find out if animals can communicate with humans. The free educator's guide is available through the Franklin website. One of our favorite leaning experiences and an exhibit that caught us by surprise was the working catapult that launched a boulder a few times each hour.
The Chronicles of Narnia traveling exhibit is only one of many throughout the year that are booked at the Franklin. In the past, there have been the Titanic exhibit, Star Wars, and King Tut and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs. All have been a success. Many are limited in where they appear in the United States, which speaks to the quality of exhibit space and curators at the Institute.
The Giant Heart - One of the most enduring exhibits is the walk-through heart, which to my amazement has been on display since the mid-1950's. It has been upgraded and is a favorite for children and adults alike. The Giant Heart is booked as "A Healthy Interactive Experience" and is part of a large, 5,000 square foot exhibit that covers Heart Anatomy, Health and Wellness, Blood, and Diagnostics and Treatment displays.
The Franklin Air Show - If you're into flight this indoor air show has over 20 interactive devices to keep your aviator busy. There are also full size jets and stories of famous aviation pioneers. If aviation isn't enough check out Space Command with its interactive displays that let you explore space like the astronauts.
One of my favorite areas is the Train Factory where you can board a full size Baldwin 60,000 steam engine and move it forward on the indoor tracks. Granted it doesn't go very far but you hear the whistle, see the coal bin and even get a chance to operate the controls on the train's short journey.
If you need a break from all the walking, be sure to take in an IMAX film in their dome theater or gaze at the stars from the Franklin Institute's Joel N. Bloom Observatory. Here you can experience day and nighttime viewing through the 10-inch Zeiss refractor and four Meade 8-inch reflector telescopes. Another alternative is to visit the nation's second oldest planetarium, the Fel's Planetarium at the Institute; I told you this place was huge. While it is one of the oldest planetarium's in the United States, it has the newest equipment for presentations. The dome measures 60 feet across and is four stories tall with all digital projection equipment.
All in all, a trip to the Franklin will have you coming back for more.
Hours: Science Museum 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Daily The Tuttleman IMAX Theater 10:00AM - 4:00 PM Daily
The Franklin Institute is closed annually on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Franklin Awards Day, April 23.
Science Museum exhibits, live show, and one planetarium show $14.25 Adults, $13.25 Students and Military and $11.50 for children. There are other admissions for special programs or simulators.
Chronicles of Narnia and admission to the Franklin Institute:
Daytime Tickets *
Adults $22.25 w/ID: Seniors (62+), Students (12-25) and Military $18.50
Children (4-11) $17.50
* Valid for exhibit entrances between 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, includes admission into The Franklin Exhibits and One Fels Planetarium Show. Check Theater schedule for Planetarium show times.
Evening Tickets **
Adults $10.50 w/ID: Seniors (62+), Students (12-25) and Military $10.50
Children (4-11) $9.50
** Valid for exhibit entrances between 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm, does not include admission into The Franklin Exhibits or the Fels Planetarium.
Wallowa Lake and the City of Joseph
Sunday, October 26, 2008
A trip to Northeast Oregon is an opportunity to witness where one of history's tragic stories begins. This is where the Nez Perce Indians spent their last free days, before going to a reservation. Today, among the mountains, streams and valleys of Wallowa County, residents and visitors alike enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and the area where the Nez Perce Indians spent their summers hunting and fishing. 
One hundred and thirty one years ago, Chief Joseph the Younger and his followers were forced out of the valley by the U.S. government for not honoring a treaty imposed upon them. Today, the mountains and area around Wallowa Lake is often referred to as the "Little Switzerland of America." The nickname comes from the tall, snow-capped mountains that surround Wallowa Lake on three sides. The picturesque vistas are reminiscent of the larger pristine mountains in Europe. This land is as wild and beautiful as it once was, with miles of forests, fresh mountain streams, lakes and abundant wildlife. As "civilization" moved into the area over the last century there have been several homes, businesses and attractions built near the lake. My journey through this land begins in the small artistic town of Joseph located a couple of miles from the lake.Originally named Lake City in the 1800's the town changed its name to Joseph in honor of Chief Joseph, father of Young Joseph, of the Nez Perce Indians. The French called the Shahaptian Indians of the Pacific Northwest Nez Perce, meaning "pierced nose", after they saw a few Indians with nose medallions. Such piercing was uncommon with the Shahaptian and was more applicable to tribes further south. A misnomer that has remained. The Nez Perce still call themselves by that name today. The Nez Perce lived around what is now Northeast Oregon, Idaho and Washington.
Today Joseph is still a small town with just over one thousand residents. This small town however, is big on art and reminded me of the art centers of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Park City, Utah. Joseph is primarily one main street lined with galleries, studios and bronze foundries separated by real estate offices and gift shops. Throughout the town are excellent bronze sculptures from some of the top artists in the country. Valley Bronze was the first foundry in town and was instrumental in leading the town to financial success after the collapse of the timber industry in the 1980's. Since then more foundries have opened in the town and more artists call this home. The success of the bronze foundries is evident in the $2.4 million dollar order, a few years ago, from the U.S. Government for the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. 
On almost every street corner is a life size or larger bronze sculpture. One of my favorite sculptures, "Attitude Adjustment", by Austin Barton depicts a cowboy and bucking bronco. The ten-foot high statue captures the cowboy and horse at the peak of movement. The balancing of the sculpture adds to this work of art as it appears to be top heavy and may topple at any moment. There are reportedly twelve of these magnificent bronzes, of this size, but I have only located three. One in Pendleton, Oregon at Hamley & Co., one in Joseph, Oregon and one at the Booth Western Art Museum in Georgia.Other interesting sculptures include the huge soaring eagle entitled "Spirit of Joseph" by Steve Parks, "Tracking the Intruders" by J. Shirly Bothum and a very refreshing sculpture of a woman holding her hat as if in a strong breeze entitled "Garden Walk" by Ramon Parmenter. Not to be overshadowed by the statuary there are several galleries that specialize in art and jewelry. One artist that impressed me with his original wildlife paintings was Mark Kortnik, of Aspen Grove Gallery.
On my visit, I found the area to be a great getaway from the stresses of daily life in the 21st century. With the exception of the buildings the area is much as it would have been when the Indians roamed the forests and mountains. Today these same forests and mountains offer abundant hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding opportunities. At the lake there is boating, canoeing, fishing and, for the stout of heart, swimming. My daughters coaxed me into the clear cold lake, which was very refreshing, after I inched my way in. The lake is at the end of the road, literally. Once you travel in you have to turn around and go out the same way. Isolated with cabins and campgrounds the area has the feel of a summer camp. Wildlife is abundant with mule deer seen throughout the early mornings and evenings, eagles, turkeys, and buffalo. There are a few gift shops, a lodge and a couple of places to eat during the spring and summer months. There are a number of places to sign up for trail riding, mountain biking and even hang gliding from Mt. Howard.
A local tramway takes passengers, four at a time, from the base terminal, located near the lake, to the 8,150 foot summit of Mt. Howard. From there you can take one of the well groomed trails to several scenic overlooks. The tramway is open from May through September, depending on the weather. Be sure to work up an appetite on the 2 miles of trails, so you can enjoy the Summit Grill and Alpine Patio for lunch.For the kids the area boasts quite a population of friendly black tailed prairie dogs that will climb on your lap looking for trail mix. We took advantage of the wonderful trails and hiked a few miles into the wilderness over streams and up the side of a mountain to an overlook of Wallowa Lake. There was also a waterfall on the Lostine River that was ice cold and a real treat after the moderate hike. On another day we joined the trail ride and wound our way through several trails and along streams. The horses were used to novice riders and made their way expertly on narrow trails.
When you enter or leave the Wallowa Lake area, you pass by the Indian cemetery where Old Chief Joseph is buried. Be sure to stop and take the time to visit his gravesite to pay tribute to the man who trusted the government to take care of him and his tribe. His son, Chief Joseph the Younger, became famous for his principled resistance to the removal of his people from this land. He is renowned as a humanitarian and peacemaker. His story, and that of his people, is detailed in Dee Brown's "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee", and "I Will Fight No More Forever - Chief Joseph And The Nez Perce War" by Merrill D. Beal.
Getting there - If you are flying, you can land in to Boise, Idaho for a couple hour drive or Portland, Oregon for six-hour drive through the Columbia River Gorge, high desert and plains. We took the longer route, through Portland, and saw a number of wonderful sites along the Oregon Trail.
