Stories of Science: CollegeFest 2026

Join us in our museum this week as we welcome new and returning college students to the Science History Institute for CollegeFest, Campus Philly’s annual citywide, weeklong “Welcome to Philadelphia” celebration!

All visitors to the museum will experience interactive activities designed for science lovers of all ages. For the month of September, we are heading “back to school” to explore the history of science education.

During your visit you can take a look at interesting items that you can touch and examine up close. You can also discover how science education can be playful and entertaining by viewing an amusing assortment of environmental board games!

Stop by our Object Explorer touch table to learn about the science behind everyday items like refrigerators and LED light bulbs. Chat with our experienced Gallery Guides to find out more about the people responsible for the science embedded in our daily lives.

Wednesday, September 16

The museum will be open late until 6pm followed by a free panel discussion on Gender Minorities in the Sciences as part of our Science and Society speaker series. Space is limited so register in advance! Presented in collaboration with the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, this panel will bring together scientists to share their experiences and strategies for advancing equity and inclusion in STEM across gender-diverse communities.

Saturday, September 19

All visitors to the museum will experience interactive activities designed for science lovers of all ages.

• From 11am to 3pm our colleagues from the Institute’s Othmer Library of Chemical History will be on hand to discuss the resources available to students within our research library’s extensive collection, including our freely accessible digital collections.

• At 11:30am and 2pm, you can also check out our themed “drop-in” tours. Drop-in tours are recommended for visitors aged 13 years old and up. Today we will be featuring our 25-minute Forensics Highlights Tour at 11:30am and our full-length Fireworks Tour at 2pm.

• We will also be tabling at CollegeFest’s Block Party from 10am to 3pm right in front of Moore College of Art & Design with interactive games and activities bringing the history and science of fireworks to you!

Know Before You Go:

While CollegeFest is dedicated to college students, adults and children are encouraged to visit the Institute at any time during the festival.

The scavenger hunts we provide have various challenge levels. Our museum guides can recommend which will offer the most fun for your family.

While museum artifacts within the exhibits are not to be touched, younger visitors are encouraged to visit our Kid’s Corner to enjoy a variety of puzzles, building toys, and science-themed children’s books.

College students interested in participating in all CollegeFest week-long experiences can get your free ticket here.