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 (February and March) and 5:15pm thereafter.

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

More events

chart of fingerprints
July 18, 2026
Drop-In Tours

Forensics Highlights Tour

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

painting of an alchemist doing an experiment that caught fire
July 18, 2026
For Families

Stories of Science: Revolutionary Science

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

engraved print of a fireworks show in a book
July 18, 2026
Drop-In Tours

Fireworks Tour

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

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