With support from the RSC, Nantwich Museum has developed this exhibition as part of the 2019 International Year of the Periodic Table celebrations.
Joseph Priestley, discoverer of oxygen, was a dissenting minister in Nantwich from 1758-61 and established a school there. The subjects he taught included science - his pupils were introduced to scientific equipment and experiments and historians have suggested that Priestley’s scientific teachings constituted the first ever science lessons. During his time in Nantwich he wrote an English Grammar, and he is still recognised as a major figure in the study of English by today’s teachers and students of linguistics. Priestley made significant contributions in other fields such as religious and political philosophy, emerging as an important, though controversial, national figure and man of the Enlightenment.
Soon after Priestley’s discovery of oxygen in 1774 the history of the Periodic Table begins, and this is used to introduce it to Museum visitors of all ages. The role and importance of oxygen is also a key component of the exhibition.
Throughout the exhibition the following will be available:
Information panels; Historical artefacts and documents; An element trail around the Museum; Periodic Table games and displays; An embroidered Periodic Table.
Special events:
"Back in time to the 18th century school" drop-in holiday workshops for children, 21 & 22 August 2019
Periodic Table themed coffee morning, 27 September 2019
“Priestley’s Element”: drop-in workshop for children organised by the RSC, 28 September 2019
“Joseph Priestley in his Element”: half-day series of talks for adults, 5 October 2019
Joseph Priestley, discoverer of oxygen, was a dissenting minister in Nantwich from 1758-61 and established a school there. The subjects he taught included science - his pupils were introduced to scientific equipment and experiments and historians have suggested that Priestley’s scientific teachings constituted the first ever science lessons. During his time in Nantwich he wrote an English Grammar, and he is still recognised as a major figure in the study of English by today’s teachers and students of linguistics. Priestley made significant contributions in other fields such as religious and political philosophy, emerging as an important, though controversial, national figure and man of the Enlightenment.
Soon after Priestley’s discovery of oxygen in 1774 the history of the Periodic Table begins, and this is used to introduce it to Museum visitors of all ages. The role and importance of oxygen is also a key component of the exhibition.
Throughout the exhibition the following will be available:
Information panels; Historical artefacts and documents; An element trail around the Museum; Periodic Table games and displays; An embroidered Periodic Table.
Special events:
"Back in time to the 18th century school" drop-in holiday workshops for children, 21 & 22 August 2019
Periodic Table themed coffee morning, 27 September 2019
“Priestley’s Element”: drop-in workshop for children organised by the RSC, 28 September 2019
“Joseph Priestley in his Element”: half-day series of talks for adults, 5 October 2019
