First Friday: Dyeing to Know!

Have you ever thought about the science behind the contents of your closet? If you’re dyeing to know the answer, come to our First Friday for an inside look!

Think you have an intuitive eye for fashion? See if you can guess where the colors you wear originate from in the natural world! Tonight you’ll learn about the chemistry and invention of natural dyes and synthetic dyes through hands-on interactions with fabric samples (including a beautiful patterned indigo cloth) and modern and historic dye sample books. Come and see the remarkable scientific properties of natural dyes and textiles, and learn how Victorian fashion exploded with color thanks to synthetic dyes.

Othmer Library Tours

Did you know? We are giving public tours of our research library every First Friday! Come by at 5:15pm 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: Postcard for General Dyestuff Corporation depicting a worker using a dye bath with colorful strands of fabric draped above the baths, ca. 1953.