Revolutionary Science: CAUTION - Kids, don't try this at home!

April 19, 2016
Sara Schechner as John Winthrop

Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments Curator Sara Schechner (and her (still) able-bodied colonial assistant Daniel Rosenberg)  recreated some 18th century electrical experiments for the annual Cambridge Science Festival. Using the lecture notes of Professor John Winthrop and contemporary descriptions of demonstrations at Faneuil Hall by Benjamin Franklin’s friend, Ebenezer Kinnersley, Schechner wowed her audience with one "shocking" feat after another, culminating in the explosion of a model thunderhouse. Lighting rod sales in the vicinity will surely skyrocket as a result.

A thunderhouse

Before & After