Happy 250th! Our museum will be OPEN 10am–7pm on July 3 and 10am–5pm on July 4.

This First Friday we launched Innate: How Science Invented the Myth of Race, a Distillations podcast and magazine project that examines the historical roots and persistent legacies of racism in American science and medicine.

The Innate podcast season and accompanying articles uncover hidden histories, unpack age-old misconceptions, and highlight those making change today.

Our kick-off celebration featured a live listening party and Q&A with the Distillations podcast team: Lisa Berry Drago, Mariel CarrRigoberto Hernandez, and Alexis Pedrick, who is also the Innate project lead. Visitors could take a peek behind the scenes, hear clips and bonus audio, and join the conversation with our producers and hosts.

The evening also included light snacks, a scavenger hunt in our museum, a rare book display, and a button making craft activity.
 

This event was supported in part by:

Aetna Better Health Kids: A CHIP Health Plan

About First Fridays

Spark your curiosity while exploring the exhibits after hours! First Fridays bring together a myriad of activities covering everyday science, historical oddities, and everything in between. Grab your friends, and kick off an evening of discovery, surprise, and a little nerdy fun.

First Fridays at the Institute are always free and open to the public. Attendees will receive a 10% discount to National Mechanics restaurant.

More events

Fellows working in Jacobs Reading Room
July 3, 2026
Library Programs & Activities

Othmer Library Tour

Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History!

visitor touching an inert firework shell
July 3, 2026
For Families

Wawa Welcome America: Free Museum Day and First Friday

Join us in our museum for extended hours and family-friendly programming as part of Wawa Welcome America’s 4th of July festivities!

visitor viewing fireworks history exhibition
July 4, 2026
For Families

July 4th at the Science History Institute

Start your 4th of July celebration at the Science History Institute and learn about the science and history behind the beautiful displays you’ll see later in the evening.

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