Discover the power of mighty machines! From big to small, explore how they work and spark kids’ curiosity through hands-on fun.

The Science History Institute joins the Please Touch Museum to explore mighty machines. Stop by our table to learn about the history of microscopy, how microscopes work, and look at various specimens from plants to fibers.


Featured image: Student microscope, ca. 1890

More events

artistic rendering of a view of snowy day from inside a home
December 6, 2025
For Families

Stories of Science: Old City Shopping Sip & Stroll

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

red, yellow, and green can of DDT pesticide
December 6, 2025
Free

Science & Activism Tour

From Rachel Carson to ACT UP, explore how scientists and activists have shaped discovery and created change.

Man crouching on a rocky hillside, holding a sample
December 8, 2025
Science on Tap

Rebel with a Rulebook: What to Do with the 300-Year-Old Rules for Biological Names

Biologist Jason Downs discusses how scientists reconcile new knowledge of species with established rules of taxonomy.

    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.