Science History Institute Launches Library Tour Program

The Science History Institute is pleased to announce the launch of a new visitor tour of the Donald F. and Mildred Topp Othmer Library of Chemical History. Since its founding in 1988, our library has been a haven for research in the history of science—but there’s more to the story. Our guided tour program will allow visitors to explore the Jacobs Reading Room and learn about our collections, including one of the most comprehensive rare book collections on chemistry and its alchemical roots.

Sample pages from some of the books you can see exclusively during our library tours, including The Artist’s Guide and Mechanic’s Own Book (1847), Conversations on Chemistry (1809), and The Color Harmony Manual and How To Use It (1942).
Science History Institute

Othmer Library Tours, which kick off on June 18, take place every other Wednesday from 12pm to 12:45pm. Starting in August, tours will also be available on the first Friday of most months at 4pm. Registration is required for Wednesday tours; First Friday tours will be drop-in. Guests under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

The Othmer Library at the Science History Institute is an independent research library encompassing the history of chemistry and related sciences, technologies, and industries. With more than 150,000 print volumes, including rare books and manuscripts, archival materials, modern books and journals, and historical photographs, our extensive collections span nearly six miles of shelves and offer an unrivaled resource for researchers.

The Othmer Library is a proud member of the Independent Research Libraries Association, a prestigious consortium designated for libraries with internationally significant collections and programs.