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

Since its founding in 1988, the Othmer Library at the Science History Institute has been a haven for research in the history of science—but there’s more to the story. Explore the reading room on a guided tour, learn how our collection has grown, and discover why we have one of the most comprehensive rare book collections on chemistry and its alchemical roots.


Othmer Library Tours are available every other Wednesday at 12pm and on the first Friday of most months at 4pm.

Registration is required for Wednesday tours; First Friday tours will be drop-in. Guests under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

More events

etching of fireworks over architectural details
September 19, 2026
Tours

Fireworks Tour

Join our museum educators for a drop-in tour of our special exhibition on the fascinating history and science of pyrotechnics.

black and white photo of men with lab equipment
September 19, 2026
Tours

Forensics Highlights Tour

Fans of murder mysteries and true crime are invited to join our museum educators to explore the science behind deductions.

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!

    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.