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: Books, Meet Their Makers!

Friday, September 5, 2025 | 5pm-7pm EDT
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  • Beckman Center
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  • 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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  • Stories of Science
etching of a family having tea by the fireplace

Stories of Science: Wellness Month

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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photo of cheese wrapped in plastic

School Lunch Tour

This interactive drop-in tour reveals how food scientists, the government, and the public have shaped in-school nutrition.

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blue monochrome illustration of jellyfish, anemones, and corals

Stories of Science: Wellness Month

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 three microscopes.

Stories of Science: Wellness Month

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

More
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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opened book of dye samples looking like bowties

First Friday: Books, Meet Their Makers!

Explore historic sample books and accompanying art by members of the Guild of Book Workers.

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black-and-white photo of assembled students

Stories of Science: Back to School

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 wearing glasses and plaid skirt in front of lab glassware

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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postcard showing a drawing of Rachel Carson's grave with birds and a squirrel

Stories of Science: Back to School

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

More
magazine ad featuring a baby in high chair pouring milk over a tray

School Lunch Tour

This interactive drop-in tour reveals how food scientists, the government, and the public have shaped in-school nutrition.

More
cover of a notebook

Stories of Science: CollegeFest 2025

All Philadelphia-area college students are invited to visit us during CollegeFest, Campus Philly’s annual “Welcome to Philadelphia!” celebration.

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cover of game box

Stories of Science: Back to School

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

More
woolly mammoth book cart

Othmer Library Tour

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

More
gathering of people interacting with science posters

First Friday: Start Talking Science

Meet scientists doing cutting-edge research in physics, medicine, biochemistry, and more.

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red and green ad for Deenate DDT

Science & Activism Tour

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

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chart of fingerprints

Stories of Science: Spooky Science

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 Marvelous Night of Minerals: An ‘Earthly Matters’ Opening Celebration

Celebrate the opening of our new permanent exhibition featuring a collection of more than 20 minerals.

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book opened to annotated skeleton illustration

Stories of Science: Spooky Science

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

More
Vintage ad for margarine featuring a knife spreading margarine on one piece of bread out of the loaf. The ad copy talks about the benefits of margarine.

School Lunch Tour

This interactive drop-in tour reveals how food scientists, the government, and the public have shaped in-school nutrition.

More
color illustration of medicinal plants

Stories of Science: Halloween in the Historic District

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 drinking man interacting with apparitions

Stories of Science: Spooky Science

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

More
blue armchairs, shelves, columns in library

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 torpedo boat on rough sea

First Friday: Nautical Navigation

Think you have what it takes to survive on the seven seas? Test your skills in a nautical navigation choose-your-own-adventure game!

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scholars 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
grayscale illustration of a steam kettle

First Friday: Cocoa for Chemistry

Enjoy a cozy evening learning about the innovations that keep us warm. Cookies and hot chocolate included!

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colorized illustration of fireworks

Exhibition Opening: The History of Fireworks

SAVE THE DATE for an explosive celebration of our next exhibition opening April 2026.

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