The Science History Institute is closed for Christmas on Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25.

Join author Dava Sobel for an exciting evening exploring how the glow of radium lit a path for women in science. 

We all know the legendary name, Madame Marie Sklodowska Curie, one of the most iconic figures in the history of science. But tonight, we dive into a story that’s rarely told: the extraordinary legacy she left behind, not just in the lab, but in the lives of the brilliant women she mentored and inspired. Her influence reaches far beyond Nobel Prizes and groundbreaking discoveries. Madame Curie paved a new path in the culture of science by opening doors and creating space for generations of women who wanted to pursue science as a way of life. 

We will have copies of Sobel’s book for sale in our gift shop prior to the event and signed copies available the night of.

Agenda 

5pm–6pm | Museum open 
6pm–7pm | Lecture
7pm-8pm | Reception

As a courtesy to our speaker, our door policy stipulates that all guests must arrive before 7pm.

About Dava Sobel

Dava Sobel, outdoors, red glasses, wearing gray and charcoal gray

Dava Sobel is the author of the international bestseller Longitude, the bestselling Pulitzer Prize finalist Galileo’s Daughter, The Planets, A More Perfect Heaven, And the Sun Stood Still, and The Glass Universe, and co-author of The Illustrated Longitude. She is the recipient of the Individual Public Service Award from the National Science Board, the Bradford Washburn Award form the Boston Museum of Science, the Kumpke-Roberts Award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and a Guggenheim Fellowship, among other honors. A former New York Times science reporter, and currently editor of the “Meter” poetry column in Scientific American, she lives on Long Island.

About This Event

This lecture is part of our Science and Society speaker series, which explores the history of science embedded in our everyday lives. We invite scientists, historians, policymakers, and educators for engaging, in-depth conversations that expand our perspectives. Program formats include lectures, interviews, roundtables, and book launches. Science and Society events are curated for an adult audience, fostering curiosity, conversation, and interactivity. Each evening concludes with a free reception with the speakers.


Featured image: Detail of the cover of Dava Sobel’s book, The Elements of Marie Curie.

More events

December 27, 2025
For Families

Stories of Science: 2025 Wrapped

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

cover of comic book
January 3, 2026
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.

illustration of a strawberry shortcake
January 3, 2026
For Families

Stories of Science: Last Bite of School Lunch

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

    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.