The secret is out about the “Secret Science Club,” a once-a-month geekfest at the Bell House — and it’s whales.
Scientist Joy Reidenberg — who has made a name for herself by dissecting aquatic beasts like sperm whales, great whites, and giant squids — will host a free lecture on June 20 at the Gowanus venue where bartenders will pour a fittingly named special “Blue Whale” cocktail.
Cutting open animals might not sound like a subject for polite conversation, but event promoters say the science lecture, and others like it, really appeal to the borough’s knowledge-hungry masses.
“We started out in a basement, so it was underground — and if you were in the science club in high school, maybe you wanted to keep that a secret,” said curator and co-founder Margaret Mittelbach. “But now we get like three or four hundred people every time.”
The club, which features snappy talks given by notable academics who work in science — has even showcased three Nobel prize winners.
And its a good way to feel camaraderie with your fellow science nerds, who come out of the woodwork for the event, Mittelbach says.
The Secret Science Club presents “A Whale of a Night” with Dr. Joy Reidenberg at the Bell House [149 Seventh St. between Second and Third avenues, Gowanus (718) 643–6510 www.thebellhouseny.com]. June 20, 8pm. Free.
Reach reporter Eli Rosenberg at erosenberg@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2531. And follow him at twitter.com/emrosenberg.
