First Friday: Cocoa for Chemistry
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 limited. Learn 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
From Our Forefathers: Climate Crisis in Chemistry History
We’ve teamed up with artist Aislinn Pentecost-Farren and ArtPhilly’s What Now: 2026 festival to look at our museum through a new lens.
Othmer Library Tour
Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History!
Philly Fair 250
Join us at Philly Fair 250, a multiday extravaganza celebrating America’s 250th birthday!