‘Flash! Bang! Boom!’ Exhibition Comes to Life at Philly Fair 250

The Science History Institute’s Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks exhibition was front and center at Wawa Welcome America’s Philly Fair 250, a multiday celebration that took place in Fairmount Park’s Centennial District. More than 2,500 visitors stopped by our pop-up museum on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, where they learned about the history and science behind the sparkling spectacle of fireworks.

Guests of all ages (and sizes!) tried their luck at our “Fireworks Color Chemistry” bean bag toss that featured Pop Rocks candy prizes in a variety of flavors corresponding to the colors produced by the chemical elements used to make fireworks. Our bustling activity tent also included a scratch paper art station, where visitors got to draw their own fireworks; a button-making station featuring images of pyrotechnic displays from our collections; a spectroscope handling table for experimenting with light and color using prisms and color paddles; and inert fireworks shells, a steel mortar, and a melted plastic mortar called a “flowerpot.” Staff members handed out free diffraction glasses and light-up fans, which were both a huge hit, while our pop-up gift shop welcomed a steady stream of customers.

But the highlight of the weekend was Saturday’s historical fireworks show that featured temporary architectural set pieces—including the Institute’s logo!—that burst and exploded with shimmering color and performance. A reimagining of a cross-cultural pyrotechnic tradition that delighted crowds for centuries, this awe-inspiring display transported viewers back in time with a rare look at entertainment from the past. The night concluded with aerial fireworks that lit up the sky over the park.

Produced in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, Philly Fair 250 presented by Independence Blue Cross brought the community together with a mix of culture, cuisine, music, fireworks, and hands-on experiences.

Support

Major funding for the Science History Institute’s participation in Philly Fair 250 was provided by the Bolte Family Foundation, with additional support from W. R. Grace & Co.

About Flash! Bang! Boom!

Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks explores the origins of fireworks and the science behind them—from the way they are made, designed, and tested, to how they are sold and ultimately launched into the sky. This sparkling exhibition is our contribution to America’s nationwide celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Major support for Flash! Bang! Boom! has been provided by the Bolte Family Foundation, Maria Maccecchini/Annovis Bio, and Kenan & Andrea Sahin/CAMX Power, with additional support from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, the Laurie Landeau Foundation LLC & Lew Gasorek, Dan Adams & Manon Cox, Chris Alafi/Bering Capital, Barry Arkles & Janine Black, Peter Bernstein & Ala Hamilton-Day, Cynthia Cai, Michael DeSimone & Susan Hughes, Kathleen Egan & Rod Ferguson, the Fireworks Foundation, Freedom Integrated Energy and Chemical Company, David Martin, Fred & Kimberley Middleton, Mike Oeth, Louise Palmer & Stephen Salzer, Christopher D. Pappas, Margaret H. Rakowsky, Eric Rugart, John Spears, Cheryl Teich, and Fredric & Elizabeth Weber.

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Images: Science History Institute/Meredith Edlow. Videos: Science History Institute/Rigoberto Hernandez.