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

August Kekule, Catalyst of the Chemical Revolution. Jerry Allison, oil on canvas, ca. 1981.
August 10, 2026
Science on Tap

Science on Tap, Untapped: Scientific Revolutions

At this semiquincentennial special edition of our science café, we explore revolutions in science. Come eat, drink, and learn about revolutionary moments in scientific advancements, from the study of diatoms to our understanding of dinosaurs.

hand with manicured nails holding nylon thread in a spool
August 11, 2026
Museum Programs & Activities

From Nature to Nylons: A Touch-Based History of Textiles

This private learning experience combines a personally guided exploration of select gallery exhibits and a hands-on study of objects.

Book cart decorated as a woolly mammoth
August 12, 2026
Free

Othmer Library Tour

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

    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.