Gouache painting of a fireworks displayGouache painting of a fireworks display
NEWS

Institute Presents Pop-Up Museum, Historical Fireworks, Giveaways at Philly Fair 250

Join us June 20 and 21 for a family-friendly celebration that will bring history to life.

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Man observing plant samples with a magnifying glassMan observing plant samples with a magnifying glass
DISTILLATIONS MAGAZINE

Floral Arraignment

Plant evidence can be a powerful crime-solving tool. So why is it used so rarely?

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An illustration of a firework or explosive device emitting sparks and flames in different directions.An illustration of a firework or explosive device emitting sparks and flames in different directions.
EXHIBITIONS

Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks

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

On view through July 31, 2027

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man in glasses sitting in front of a computer screen holding a mouseman in glasses sitting in front of a computer screen holding a mouse
COLLECTIONS BLOG

Live from Philadelphia, It’s the History of Science!

Celebrating 15,000 historical works in our digital collections.

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gif of chemist in a lab

We tell the stories behind the science.

The Science History Institute explores lesser-known and overlooked stories from the history of science and technology. We dive deep into the history of scientific successes and failures, with a focus on expanding knowledge and broadening our understanding of how science and society intersect.

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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