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
Othmer Library After Hours
Join us for annual library open house in honor of National Library Week!
Greening the Urban Landscape
Hear from Tim Bennett and Peggy Prevoznik Heins on bringing composting services to Philadelphia homes and vegetable gardens to Delaware schools.
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!