Fireworks Tour
What’s the difference between a firecracker and a rocket—and how do they work? Why have fireworks come to represent events as diverse as the Chinese New Year, Italian saint days, and the 4th of July?
Find out by taking a tour of our new Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks exhibition, which explores the fascinating international history of fireworks: from the chemistry of how they go “boom,” the factory laborers who churn them out, and the pyrotechnicians who light the match, to the migrants and business leaders who made them famous, and the innovators lighting up a new future.
Join us for America 250 and beyond!
Drop-in tours are free and no reservations are necessary.
Featured image from Pyrotechnics: The History and Art of Firework Making, 1922.
More events
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.
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!
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!