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.


No registration is necessary for this First Friday drop-in tour! Guests under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

More events

illustration of the ocean, with headline: First Production of Magnesium Metal from the Sea! Recording an epoch-making achievement in chemical engineering
July 19, 2025
For Families

Stories of Science: Summertime Science

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

photo of prepackaged pizza with silverware
July 19, 2025
Drop-In Tours

School Lunch Tour

This interactive drop-in tour reveals how food scientists, the government, and the public have shaped in-school nutrition.

Ellia Bisker and Jeff Morris wearing eclipse glasses in a dark studio
July 23, 2025
Performances

Charming Disaster: The Double

The Science History Institute invites you to an evening of music and scientific wonder!

    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.