Events

The Science History Institute produces a wide range of in-person and virtual events that are free and open to the public. From exhibition openings and talks, to museum tours and late-night activities, our programming is aimed at science history lovers, students, industry professionals, scholars, educators, and the scientifically curious.
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First Friday: Our Plastic Planet

Friday, April 3, 2026 | 5pm-7pm EDT
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Event Types
  • Beckman Center
  • Classes & Workshops
  • Conferences & Symposia
  • Drop-In Tours
  • Fellow in Focus
  • First Fridays
  • For Families
  • Free
  • Hybrid
  • Joseph Priestley Society
  • Library Programs & Activities
  • Museum Programs & Activities
  • Online
  • Performances
  • Programs, Lectures & Talks
  • Science and Society
  • Science on Tap
  • Stories of Science
  • Touch Tours
postcard showing a drawing of Rachel Carson's grave with birds and a squirrel

Stories of Science: Celebrating Women’s History

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

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magazine ad featuring the earth wrapped in clear film

First Friday: Our Plastic Planet

Have you ever wondered how plastic became a problem? Are there viable solutions to reducing plastic waste? Stop by our April First Friday event to learn the answers to these vital questions.

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wrinkled white grocery store plastic bag with red lettering

Stories of Science: April Showers

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

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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

Join the waitlist to celebrate the opening of our latest exhibition.

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one-page ad, "Important Facts About pH for Water & Sewage Operators" 1950s

Stories of Science: April Showers

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

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illustration of the ocean as a cube

Stories of Science: April Showers

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

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page from book with illustration of precipitation, evaporation, and other elements of the hydrologic cycle

Stories of Science: April Showers

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

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illustrated book page with various floral plants

First Friday: May Flowers

Come celebrate the living chemistry of spring and leave with a deeper appreciation for the plants that have clothed, healed, and inspired us for generations.

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illustration of a young woman in apron examine a flower

Stories of Science: Chemistry of Common Things

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

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Stories of Science: Fireworks!

Spend your Saturday exploring the sparkling and explosive history of fireworks!

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advertisement featuring a uniformed woman with a lunchbox

Stories of Science: Chemistry of Common Things

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

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Color illustration of a power plant by the water at night

After Hours in the Museum

Wander at your own pace, dive into hands-on activities, and discover something unexpected around every corner during this special museum experience!

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etching of a family having tea by the fireplace

Stories of Science: Chemistry of Common Things

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

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illustration of a strawberry shortcake

Stories of Science: Chemistry of Common Things

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

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black and white photo of a boy with baseball bat and ball

First Friday: Game On! The Science of Sports

Philly is a sports city, so we’re looking at the science behind your favorite games!

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