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
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  • Programs, Lectures & Talks
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  • Science on Tap
  • Stories of Science
  • Touch Tours
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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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!

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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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Science & Activism Tour

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

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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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woman crouching to feel lower part of Bakelizer

From Nature to Nylons: A Touch-Based History of Textiles

This private learning experience combines a personally guided exploration of select gallery exhibits and a hands-on study of objects.

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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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women in lab

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 colorful, symmetrical pattern resembling a firework display on a dark background. History of fireworks might be relevant.
Apr
19
Sun
10am-4pm

Maker Faire Philadelphia

Check out our display at the Cherry Street Pier, then make your own firework art with rainbow scratch paper!

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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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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!

More
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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guests and guides gathered near Object Explorer for touch tour

From Nature to Nylons: A Touch-Based History of Textiles

This private learning experience combines a personally guided exploration of select gallery exhibits and a hands-on study of objects.

More
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!

More
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!

More
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
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!

More
man touching a museum object with both hands

From Nature to Nylons: A Touch-Based History of Textiles

This private learning experience combines a personally guided exploration of select gallery exhibits and a hands-on study of objects.

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
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
man doing research in a library

Othmer Library Tour

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

More
Research fellow Eva Hemmungs Wirtén.

Othmer Library Tour

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

More
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!

More