The Science History Institute’s new exhibition, Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks, explores the sparkling and explosive history of fireworks. With objects ranging from historic rare books and fine art, to consumer catalogs and the latest pyrotechnic technologies, this exhibition helps visitors understand the history and chemistry of fireworks in the context of our nation’s 250th anniversary.

Stop by our table to learn more about the exhibition, see examples of some of the featured fine art, and make some of your own with rainbow scratch paper!

What Is Maker Faire?

Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers and artists, to scientists and crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for “makers” to show their hobbies, experiments, and projects.

We call it the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth—a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness.

Glimpse the future and get inspired!

Tickets are required.

Featured image from Pyrotechnics: The History and Art of Firework Making, 1922.

More events

View inside the Jacobs Reading Room
September 23, 2026
Free

Othmer Library Tour

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

porcelain jar with writing and gilding
September 26, 2026
Tours

Unwell Waters Highlights Tour

Join our museum educators at 11:30am or 2pm as we visit the history of medicine exhibit to learn about waterborne epidemics from Pennsylvania’s past.

periodic table with neon colors and black background
September 26, 2026
For Families

Stories of Science: Back to School

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

    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.