We’re going cocoa for chemistry this First Friday at the Science History Institute!

Relax and indulge in some free hot chocolate and cookies in our Overlook Lounge. Then, cozy up in our museum and learn about staying warm, whether we’re keeping our beverages hot or feeling toasty in wool clothing. Explore the technology and innovations created to keep us from getting frostbite, from synthetic materials to hand warmers. Our librarians will feature some of our hottest historical books and host a fun, family-friendly craft station for making your own hand warmers! 

Othmer Library Tours

Did you know? We are giving public tours of our research library every First Friday! Come by before the event at 4pm to get a behind-the-scenes look upstairs at the resources and archives available to all scientifically curious minds. Registration is not required, but space is limitedLearn more here.

About First Fridays

Spark your curiosity while exploring the exhibits after hours! First Fridays bring together a myriad of activities covering everyday science, historical oddities, and everything in between. Grab your friends, and kick off an evening of discovery, surprise, and a little nerdy fun.

First Fridays at the Institute are always free and open to the public. Attendees will receive a 10% discount to National Mechanics restaurant.


Featured image: Chocolate steam kettle illustration in The Manufacture of Confectionery, 1923

More events

November 19, 2025
Free

Othmer Library Tour

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

man with glasses and dark blue short-sleeved shirt, folded arms, in a hallway
November 19, 2025
Programs, Lectures & Talks

Ullyot Lecture and Award: Sir David W. C. MacMillan

The 2025 Nobel co-laureate in chemistry will present this year’s lecture, followed by a Q&A session and award presentation.

postcard addressed to Max A. Bredig featuring a young girl reading Braille
November 22, 2025
For Families

Stories of Science: Feasting on Chemistry

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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