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.
Featured

Educator Night: Flash! Bang! Boom!

Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 4pm-6pm EDT
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  • Beckman Center
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  • Drop-In Tours
  • Fellow in Focus
  • First Fridays
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  • Free
  • Hybrid
  • Joseph Priestley Society
  • Library Programs & Activities
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  • Online
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postage stamp featuring a reddish purple peony

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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Overhead view of Jacobs Reading Room with researchers

Othmer Library Tour

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

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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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red, yellow, and green can of DDT pesticide

Science & Activism Tour

From Rachel Carson to ACT UP, explore how scientists and activists have shaped discovery and created change.

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people studying in a library

Othmer Library Tour

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

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Stories of Science: Fireworks!

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

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

Educator Night: Flash! Bang! Boom!

Join us for a special evening just for educators, with an in-depth look at the science, history, and spectacle behind 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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A colorful firework display, illustrating the history of fireworks.

APS Neighborhood Fun Day

Stop by our table to see examples of the fine art featured in our fireworks exhibition, then partake in hands-on activities, games, and snacks!

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group of women standing around a lab table with periodic table in background

Women in Chemistry Tour

Drop in for a tour highlighting the central role of women in shaping chemistry and the material sciences throughout history.

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A library information desk with books, pamphlets, and an adjacent Rare Book Room.

Othmer Library Tour

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

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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!

More
A vibrant illustration of fireworks in the night sky with a crowd watching below. Suitable for history of fireworks theme.

Fireworks Tour

Join our Gallery Guides for a drop-in tour of our special exhibition on the fascinating history and science of pyrotechnics.

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View inside the Jacobs Reading Room

Othmer Library Tour

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

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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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Book cart decorated as a woolly mammoth

Othmer Library Tour

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

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Ad for L’Insectoline

Science & Activism Tour

From Rachel Carson to ACT UP, explore how scientists and activists have shaped discovery and created change.

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package of astroturf sample labeled "Baseball's Best"

Stories of Science: Celebration of Summer

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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picnickers with frozen desserts

Stories of Science: Celebration of Summer

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

More
A library interior with tall bookshelves, large columns, and seating area.

Othmer Library Tour

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

More
Color illustration of fireworks on the Seine, Paris

Stories of Science: Celebration of Summer

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

More
A colorful firework display with a person using a stick to ignite them, illustrating the history of fireworks.

Philly Fair 250: A History of Fireworks

Save the date for Philly Fair 250, a multiday extravaganza celebrating America’s 250th birthday!

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etching of fireworks over architectural details

Fireworks Tour

Join our Gallery Guides for a drop-in tour of our special exhibition on the fascinating history and science of pyrotechnics.

More
illustration of a woman and a child playing with pool toys

Stories of Science: Celebration of Summer

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

More
Science History Institute Othmer Library

Othmer Library Tour

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

More
Fellows working in Jacobs Reading Room

Othmer Library Tour

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

More