A Marvelous Night of Minerals: An 'Earthly Matters' Opening Celebration
Across centuries and cultures, minerals have provided humans with essential raw materials. But how have we come to know and use the natural world?
Join the Science History Institute as we celebrate the opening of Earthly Matters, our new permanent exhibition that explores the history and science behind a collection of more than 20 minerals. These elements, crystals, gemstones—and even a meteorite!—tell stories of human curiosity about the natural world around us. Visitors will learn about the long history of minerals and how humans have studied and categorized them for thousands of years.
Plus, we’ll be celebrating the completion of our lobby renovation and the opening of our brand-new gift shop with a ribbon cutting!
Highlights from the evening include
- a behind-the-scenes look at Earthly Matters with curator Michelle DiMeo and exhibition developer Jesse Smith
- rare books from our library collection
- mineral specimens that you can touch
- alchemical recipe recreations with our fellows
- featured items for sale in our new gift shop
- light bites and a signature rock candy cocktail
This event is free, but registration is required.
Agenda
5pm
Doors open
6:15pm
Remarks
6:45pm
Ribbon cutting
7–8pm
Additional programming
About This Event
“A Marvelous Night of Minerals: An ‘Earthly Matters’ Opening Celebration” is part of our Rohm and Haas Fellow in Focus lecture series. Fellow in Focus gives the Institute’s scholars an opportunity to present their work to a broad audience interested in history, science, and culture.
Earthly Matters is presented in loving memory of Margaret & Moshe Alafi through the generosity of Alafi Capital and Bering Capital.
Featured image: Pink apatite specimen featured in Earthly Matters, shown under ultraviolet light.
More events
Othmer Library Tour
Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History!
Stuff from Your House Highlights Tour
Join our museum educators as we explore the scientific principles and history behind everyday household objects.
History on the Street: Back to School Edition
Kick off your school year with museums, cultural organizations, and community partners sharing their resources through a day of fun and discovery.