Stacey Heffernan

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PROPAGATION INNOVATIONS AT THE FWWIC MUSSEL HATCHERY

The Fairmount Waterworks Interpretive Center’s Mussel Hatchery recorded another “first” in the science of freshwater mussel propagation. A living science laboratory, the goal of the FWWIC Demonstration Hatchery is to support freshwater mussel production and future wide-scale use of mussels to improve the health of the watershed. Freshwater mussels are incredible natural filtration systems, with […]


The Esplanade at Fairmount Water Works

Do you know where this statue is? Come explore the Esplanade at Fairmount Water Works to find out! The sculpture, designed by Ellen Fletcher, is called “Celebration of Water”. It was first installed on the riverside rock in 1989 as part of a design plan for an Interpretive Esplanade with the goal of exploring the relationship […]


WANDERING: Observations of Our Watershed

Rebecca Schultz Mapping Our Watershed 2023 Mixed Media, 60″ x 144″ This special exhibition, centered on artists’ observations of our regions, is directed by Karen Young for the Fairmount Water Works and curated by Thom Duffy. The curated selection of vintage and contemporary drawings, paintings and photography by Philadelphia artists is centered on the artists’ […]


Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center is New Member in the Water Museum Global Network

The Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center is now an official 2024 member of the Global Water Museum Network (WAMU-NET), a flagship initiative of UNESCO-IHP (Intergovernmental Hydrological Program).  The goal of WAMU-NET is to promote a “new culture of water”, re-connecting individuals with all forms of water heritage by highlighting the natural, social, cultural, artistic and […]


Flooding in Philadelphia

Flooding is nothing new for Fairmount Water Works. Since the building was first constructed more than 200 years ago, several severe floods have affected the space, including Tropical Storm Hurricane Agnes, which is recognized as Pennsylvania’s worst natural disaster. Flooding from Agnes ultimately closed Kelly Pool, which had been functioning as a desegregated pool under […]


Dottie Baumgarten, FWWIC Educator, is Honored

Dottie Baumgarten, who has been an educator with the Philadelphia Water Department and Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center for the past 14 years, was honored by Need in Deed at their annual Soiree fundraiser, silent auction, and awards ceremony this month. Need in Deed is an organization that works to connect classrooms with the community […]


“TAKE ME TO THE RIVER”, A New Art Exhibit to Open at Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center on Saturday, October 28th

The Schuylkill-themed art show features work from seven local artists celebrating the river and its ability to bring the community together. Curator and artist Corinne M Dieterle offers: “The Schuylkill river has been a source of inspiration for artists, visitors, and residents since Philadelphia was founded. On any given day, hundreds of people flock along […]