A chimpanzee looking into a full-length mirror.A chimpanzee looking into a full-length mirror.
DISTILLATIONS MAGAZINE

Extended Family

Self-recognition was uniquely human. Then scientists put other animals in front of the mirror.

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EVENTS

Educator Night: Back to School

Join us for a special evening just for educators! Learn about our free field trip programs and classroom-ready resources and activities for grades 6–12. Light refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 4pm-6pm

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old book with newspaper clipping, wire, and handwritten notes on top of pagesold book with newspaper clipping, wire, and handwritten notes on top of pages
COLLECTIONS BLOG

Science in the Margins

Alfred Swaine Taylor and the making of toxicological knowledge.

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EXHIBITIONS

Flash! Bang! Boom!
A History of Fireworks

Part of America’s 250th celebrations, this sparkling exhibition explores the origins of
and the science behind fireworks.

On view through July 31, 2027

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gif of chemist in a lab

We tell the stories behind the science.

The Science History Institute explores lesser-known and overlooked stories from the history of science and technology. We dive deep into the history of scientific successes and failures, with a focus on expanding knowledge and broadening our understanding of how science and society intersect.

Collect. Preserve. Interpret. Share.

Through research, storytelling, public programming, and educational outreach, we reveal how science is embedded in our daily lives.

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