Othmer Library After Hours
It’s National Library Week!
This year, we’re celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial with the theme “A Blast Through the Past: 250 Years of American Science.”
Explore the scientists, ideas, and technologies that have shaped our world from 1776 to today through our unique collections. Highlights include:
- Oxygen from Air to O III explores four centuries of discovery about oxygen, from Priestley and Lavoisier’s experiments in the 1700s to the development of spectroscopy in the 1800s, and how that knowledge shapes astronomy today.
- You Can See It, It’s Electric (Boogie Woogie Woogie) sheds light on the history of electricity in the U.S., with Philadelphia at its core featuring Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, and the city’s charged relationship with electricity.
- A Snapshot of the American Film Revolution captures the evolution of photography from delicate daguerreotypes to the revolutionary innovations of Kodak, highlighting the transformation of photography from a specialized practice into an accessible medium for everyday life.
- Synthetics in America traces the rise of modern materials, from celluloid and polymers, to nylon and beyond. Explore the science behind everyday objects through a hands-on comparison.
See rare and modern treasures, support the library by adopting a collection item, enjoy our annual book-themed cake, and take home a souvenir!
Admission is free; registration is required.
More events
Stories of Science: CollegeFest 2026
All Philadelphia-area college students are invited to visit us during CollegeFest, Campus Philly’s annual “Welcome to Philadelphia” celebration!
Gender Minorities in the Sciences Panel
Scientists share their experiences and strategies for advancing equity and inclusion in STEM across gender-diverse communities.
Fireworks Tour
Join our museum educators for a drop-in tour of our special exhibition on the fascinating history and science of pyrotechnics.