The Science History Institute will be closed on Wednesday, December 31 and Thursday, January 1.

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

illustration of a strawberry shortcake
January 3, 2026
For Families

Stories of Science: Last Bite of School Lunch

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

cover of comic book
January 3, 2026
Drop-In Tours

School Lunch Tour

This interactive drop-in tour reveals how food scientists, the government, and the public have shaped in-school nutrition.

Oral history bound copies, recorder, microphone
January 5, 2026
Classes & Workshops

Oral History Training Institute

This virtual training workshop introduces researchers to oral history and research interview methodologies.

    Republish

    Copy the above HTML to republish this content. We have formatted the material to follow our guidelines, which include our credit requirements. Please review our full list of guidelines for more information. By republishing this content, you agree to our republication requirements.