The Science History Institute will be closed on Wednesday, December 31 and Thursday, January 1.
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Museum Hours:Wednesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm
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DISTILLATIONS MAGAZINE

Red the World Over

How a tiny cactus parasite called cochineal became one of the Spanish Empire’s most lucrative commodities.

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CONFERENCE CENTER

Host an Event

With over 9,000 square feet of flexible rooms and spaces to rent, the Science History Institute is an ideal location for meetings, conferences, and special events.

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EXHIBITIONS

Earthly Matters

Explore a unique collection of minerals that tells the story of human curiosity about the material world around us.

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EVENTS

Alternative Power: Moving Beyond Wind and Solar with Geothermal Energy

Join us for a virtual discussion on the latest advances in geothermal energy.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 1pm-2pm

Register
man doing research in a library

Applications Open for 2026–2027 Beckman Center Fellowships

Researchers can apply by January 15, 2026, for various long- and short-term programs, including two-year curatorial fellowships. Travel grants are also available on a rolling basis.

Learn More & Apply

Featured

Acetate film negative containing X-ray diffraction images of DNA
Collections

History of Molecular Biology Collection
fake ruby
EXHIBITIONS

How to Fake an Emerald in 1653
"You Can't Make a Monkey Out of Me," cartoon featured in the May 31, 1925, issue of the New York Times
THE DISAPPEARING SPOON PODCAST

The Scopes Monkey Trial Publicity Stunt
jacket design for Tofu: A Culinary History, with a plate showing 3 blocks of tofu and a pair of chopsticks
EVENTS

Tofu: A Culinary History
Undated portrait of mycologist Vera Charles
SCIENTIFIC BIOGRAPHIES

Vera Katherine Charles
Santa Claus figurine carved out of Styrofoam
Collections Blog

Foam for the Holidays

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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Museum
rare books

Library
illustration of man blowing out a fire

Stories
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Education

Collections
A Beckman Center fellow conducts research in the Othmer Library.

Research

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