When alumni talk about their experiences as students in the Geography Department, they often speak of the fondness they have for Science Hall itself. Once home to all sciences on the UW-Madison campus, Science Hall is steeped in history, mystery and some great traditions that are literally tied to the walls of this grand building.
This year Science Hall reached a milestone — its 125th anniversary!
Join us on Wednesday, October 30th (4–9pm) for the anniversary celebration of our department home as we take a look back at the building’s past and look ahead toward its future.
The event is free and open to the public. Let us know if you plan to attend via this RSVP form. Can’t join us? As part of our celebration, we’re collecting stories and reminiscences about Science Hall. Share your favorite Science Hall memory here.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
4:00 pm: Science Hall Past & Present – Guided Tours
Tours leave from the first floor elevators at 4:00, 4:15
Join Geography Department staff members as they guide you through the building’s past and into the present. Tours will take approximately 45 minutes. Self-guided walking tours and displays available throughout the night. Complimentary copies of Clarence Olmstead’s Science Hall: The First Century pamphlets available.
5:00 pm: History of Science Hall
Room 180 Lecture Hall
UW Archivist, David Null, will take us through Science Hall’s rich and interesting past with a presentation of historic photos and stories of former inhabitants and bygone days.
5:30 pm: Reception
Arthur Robinson Map Library, 3rd floor
Join us for food and drinks in one of the jewels of the department – our beautiful Robinson Map Library. Here you can explore more historic photos and documents – and perhaps a map or two!
7:00 pm: Greening Historic Buildings
Room 180 Lecture Hall
How do we move an old building into the future – renovating for sustainability and modern needs and expectations while being sensitive to historic preservation? Architect and engineering manager, Angela Pakes Ahlman of the UW-Madison Office of Sustainability, has led a number of high-profile campus building renovations, including that of our historic Bascom Hill neighbor. Her experience with the renovation of the School of Education building will be featured as an example of the challenges of bringing our architectural legacy into the 21st century in a way that complements UW’s environmental mission.
8:00 pm: Haunted Science Hall – A guided tour
Meet by the first floor elevators
On this walking tour of the building you’ll discover some of the more hidden and quirky parts of Science Hall and hear anecdotes about how it earned its spooky reputation.
