Science History Institute’s 2nd Annual Curious Histories Fest Will ‘Color Your World’

The Science History Institute invites the public to attend Curious Histories Fest, our annual celebration of science, history, exploration, and experimentation. Hosted on Saturday, June 8, 11am–3pm at 315 Chestnut Street in Old City, the day will feature free hands-on activities and family-friendly fun, as well as exciting talks, tours, and highlights from our collections. Visit our museum; talk to curators and experts; take part in performances, arts and crafts, and special events; and immerse yourself in curiosity! Plus, the first 150 visitors will receive a free serving of Siddiq’s Water Ice (limit one per person).

Curious Histories Fest highlights a new theme each year. Inspired by our current BOLD: Color from Test Tube to Textile exhibition, this year’s “Color Your World” theme explores the color in your life. Have you ever wondered about the color of your clothes? Or your food? Does color have a taste? How do we perceive color? Where do natural and synthetic dyes come from, and how do they work? Do you love tie-dye? Or rainbows?

Join the Institute as we explore all things color. Experience live dyeing demos, sample colorful foods, and learn about sustainable clothing. Then visit our museum and see our special, rarely seen collections showcasing strange and wondrous color and dye histories. Enjoy food trucks, special guests, live music, and so much more.

Participating vendor and partner activities include tea tastings with Oma Herbal Teas; arts and crafts with Fleisher’s Color Wheels; sustainable clothing and fabric painting with Touch Threads; colorful pop-up displays with Institute staff; and hands-on dyeing and sun printing activities to take home. Siddiq’s Water Ice, La Llamita Vegana, Bonjour Crêperie, and Dodo Bakery food trucks will be on site. Additional food and drink vendors coming soon. Music will be provided by DJ Duiji Mshinda.

Curious Histories Fest is open to all ages. Admission and programs are free; food trucks are pay-as-you-go. No reservations are necessary.

Featured image: Visitors gather for “A Taste of Water” at our inaugural Curious Histories Fest, held June 10, 2023.

Major funding for Curious Histories Fest is provided by chief presenting sponsor the Bolte Family Foundation.

Additional support provided by sustaining sponsors American Chemical Society, Dow, and Arkema Inc.; and contributing sponsor Dr. Zhen Yang, YM American Academy.