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

visitor viewing fireworks history exhibition
July 4, 2026
For Families

July 4th at the Science History Institute

Start your 4th of July celebration at the Science History Institute and learn about the science and history behind the beautiful displays you’ll see later in the evening.

illustration of a knight on horseback
July 11, 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!

An illustration of a firework or explosive device emitting sparks and flames in different directions.
July 11, 2026
Free

Ben Franklin Bridge 100th Anniversary Celebration

Institute staff will be on hand to celebrate 100 years of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge with fun, fireworks-themed activities.

    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.