Start your 4th of July celebration at the Science History Institute by checking out our Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks exhibition to learn about the science and history behind the beautiful displays you’ll see that night.

We’ll have family-friendly activities and a crafts station available throughout the day, including

  • kid-friendly activities and crafts, including creating a representation of the earliest fireworks, which used bamboo and black powder (explosives not included!)
  • special handling collection items, including real inert firework shells, exploded mortars, and historic instruments used in the science of pyrotechnics
  • a memory wall to share your favorite fireworks memories

Admission is free and reservations are not required.

Please contact us in advance for groups larger than 12. See our Group & School Tours page for more information.

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Drop in for a tour highlighting the central role of women in shaping chemistry and the material sciences throughout history.

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