This Event has Passed
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM See all dates and Times
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/love-stamps-science-and-scandal-tickets-92270568755
Love letters almost came between Marie Curie and her second Nobel Prize. In the spring of 1910, several years after her husband’s death, Marie Curie began an affair with the married French physicist Paul Langevin. Just days before the Nobel Committee announced her second Nobel, Langevin’s wife made their love letters public. This scandal threatened Curie’s prize and inspired men to fight multiple duels over her honor.
Join us as we dig into the two love affairs that shaped Curie’s personal life—with Pierre Curie, her husband and scientific partner who died an early and tragic death, and Paul Langevin. Since letters were so important in both courtships, we’ll also look at some postage stamps featuring Marie Curie; her husband, Pierre; and Paul Langevin. Afterward, nerd out over treasures from our Othmer Library, and create a Valentine using historic inks.
The event includes a reception featuring live music by Philly Vibes and hors d’oeuvres and drinks inspired by the theme of love.
Registration for this event is required. Tickets are $20 per person, $30 per couple.
About the Speaker
Ashley Bowen is the Mellon/ACLS Public Fellow and digital engagement manager at the Science History Institute, where she works to make the history of science and medicine more accessible, usable, and fun online. Before beginning her fellowship she worked as a guest curator for the National Library of Medicine’s exhibition program. Bowen has a PhD in American studies and public humanities from Brown University. In addition to appearing in academic journals, her writing has appeared on Atlas Obscura, Book Riot, the Smithsonian’s blogs, and the Mercy Street blog run by the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.
Join us as we dig into the two love affairs that shaped Curie’s personal life—with Pierre Curie, her husband and scientific partner who died an early and tragic death, and Paul Langevin. Since letters were so important in both courtships, we’ll also look at some postage stamps featuring Marie Curie; her husband, Pierre; and Paul Langevin. Afterward, nerd out over treasures from our Othmer Library, and create a Valentine using historic inks.
The event includes a reception featuring live music by Philly Vibes and hors d’oeuvres and drinks inspired by the theme of love.
Registration for this event is required. Tickets are $20 per person, $30 per couple.
About the Speaker
Ashley Bowen is the Mellon/ACLS Public Fellow and digital engagement manager at the Science History Institute, where she works to make the history of science and medicine more accessible, usable, and fun online. Before beginning her fellowship she worked as a guest curator for the National Library of Medicine’s exhibition program. Bowen has a PhD in American studies and public humanities from Brown University. In addition to appearing in academic journals, her writing has appeared on Atlas Obscura, Book Riot, the Smithsonian’s blogs, and the Mercy Street blog run by the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.
