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A group of men posing for a photograph in front of a house.A group of men posing for a photograph in front of a house.
DISTILLATIONS MAGAZINE

The Misogynist Dinner

In 1880, the 4-year-old American Chemical Society threw a tantrum disguised as a party. Here’s why it still matters.

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Stephanie Kwolek.Stephanie Kwolek.
SCIENTIFIC BIOGRAPHIES

Stephanie Kwolek

Learn about the chemist who discovered the super fiber known as Kevlar.

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EVENTS

Othmer Library After Hours

Join us during National Library Week for a celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial with the theme “A Blast Through the Past: 250 Years of American Science.”

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 6pm-8pm

Register
photo of a tall wooden roller coasterphoto of a tall wooden roller coaster
COLLECTIONS BLOG

Air Time

A visit to Knoebels Amusement Resort and chemist Joseph Priestley’s historic home in PA inspires a closer look at the Institute’s rare book collection.

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

SOLD OUT: Launch Party!
A History of Fireworks Opening Celebration

We’re thrilled to celebrate the opening of Flash! Bang! Boom!, our sparkling new exhibition that explores the long and global history of fireworks.
 
Friday, April 10, 2026 | 5pm-8pm

Join Waitlist

Featured

Aerial View of Rohm and Hass Plant in Bridesburg section of Philadelphia
EXHIBITIONS

Philadelphia: Workshop of the World
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CONFERENCE CENTER

Host an Event
Acetate film negative containing X-ray diffraction images of DNA
Collections

History of Molecular Biology Collection
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EVENTS

From Nature to Nylons: A Touch-Based History of Textiles
People observing exhibits in a museum setting.
Visit

Group & School Tours
Portrait of Agnes Pockels painted by her aunt, Caroline Pockels
DISTILLATIONS PODCAST

Agnes Pockels and the Kitchen Sink Myth

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
rare books

Library
illustration of man blowing out a fire

Stories
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Education
X-ray diffraction pattern of DNA, known as Photograph 51, historically significant in molecular biology.

Collections
A Beckman Center fellow conducts research in the Othmer Library.

Research

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