SOLD OUT: Launch Party! A History of Fireworks Opening Celebration
Join the waitlist to celebrate the explosive opening of Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks.
In 2026 the Science History Institute will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a sparkling new exhibition that explores the long and global history of fireworks.
With objects ranging from historic rare books and fine art, to consumer catalogs and the latest pyrotechnic technologies, this exhibition will allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of centuries of knowledge among pyrotechnical makers in an intriguing walk through the history and chemistry of fireworks in the context of our nation’s 250th anniversary.
Highlights from the evening include
- brief remarks by co-curators Jesse Smith and Nadia Berenstein
- a chance to see the inside of fireworks
- pro tips on fireworks safety from the American Pyrotechnic Association
- handling collections about the science behind fireproof materials
- historical firework matchcover collections from the Liberty Bell Matchcover Club
- light bites, drinks, and more!
Agenda
5pm
Doors open
6pm
Remarks
8pm
Doors close
The first 100 people to arrive receive a special fireworks-themed giveaway!
On display in our museum, located just blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Old City Philadelphia, Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks will have high visibility and be a unique contribution to our nation’s celebrations.
This event is FREE, but registration is required.
Support
Major support for Flash! Bang! Boom! has been provided by the Bolte Family Foundation, Maria Maccecchini/Annovis Bio, and Kenan & Andrea Sahin/CAMX Power, with additional support from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, the Laurie Landeau Foundation LLC & Lew Gasorek, Dan Adams & Manon Cox, Chris Alafi/Bering Capital, Barry Arkles & Janine Black, Peter Bernstein & Ala Hamilton-Day, Cynthia Cai, Michael DeSimone & Susan Hughes, Kathleen Egan & Rod Ferguson, the Fireworks Foundation, Freedom Integrated Energy and Chemical Company, David Martin, Fred & Kimberly Middleton, Mike Oeth, Louise Palmer & Stephen Salzer, Christopher D. Pappas, Margaret H. Rakowsky, Eric Rugart, John Spears, Cheryl Teich, and Fredric & Elizabeth Weber.
Featured image: Hand-colored ink drawing from Kunst Buch von allerhandt rahren undt schönen inventionen so wohl in der Feuerwerckerey Künst als auch in der Büchsenmeisterey zusammen, a German manuscript on the art of firework making by pyrotechnician Andreas Räbel, 1671
More events
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!
Transforming the Dead: The Art, Ritual, and Science of Egyptian Embalming
Egyptologist Jen Wegner explores how ancient embalmers worked to transform the dead for life after death.
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.