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a museum educator explains what a flowerpot is to a fireworks exhibition visitor at the Science History Institutea museum educator explains what a flowerpot is to a fireworks exhibition visitor at the Science History Institute
EVENTS

Educator Night: Flash! Bang! Boom!

Educators: learn how you can incorporate the science, history, and spectacle of fireworks into your classroom. Light refreshments included!

Thursday, May 14 | 4pm-6pm

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NEWS

Institute Launches New Museum Tours, Including Touch-Based Program for the Visually Impaired

Unique learning experiences for students, adult clubs, and special groups highlight the science behind minerals, textiles, and fireworks.

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EXHIBITIONS

First-Class Flora: A Stamp Collection of Medicinal Plants

This outdoor exhibition presents a unique historical intersection between professional science and a personal hobby.

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A cartoon skunk running out of a gas pipe in a rural environmentA cartoon skunk running out of a gas pipe in a rural environment
DISTILLATIONS MAGAZINE

What Does Danger Smell Like?

Natural gas and the science of stink.

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Flash! Bang! Boom!
A History of Fireworks

Part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, this sparkling new exhibition explores the origins of and the science behind fireworks. 

On view through July 31, 2027

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Featured

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CONFERENCE CENTER

Host an Event
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Collections

History of Molecular Biology Collection
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Group & School Tours
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Research

Schedule a Library Visit
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SCIENTIFIC BIOGRAPHIES

Mary Agnes Chase
A colorful firework display with a person using a stick to ignite them, illustrating the history of fireworks.
EVENTS

Philly Fair 250

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
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Library
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Stories
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Education
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Collections
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Research

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