Join us for a virtual talk as we explore the past, present, and future of indigo dye.

Indigo is one of the most widespread and beloved dyes in history, from the oldest Mesopotamian dye records to modern blue jeans. Due to its unique chemical properties, the hunt for a synthetic indigo spurred intense competition in the late 1800s, the environmental consequences of which continue to confront indigo-dyeing regions today.


This online event is free and no reservations are necessary.

More events

advertisement featuring a uniformed woman with a lunchbox
January 10, 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!

illustrations of various furnaces
January 14, 2026
Joseph Priestley Society

Alternative Power: Moving Beyond Wind and Solar with Geothermal Energy

Experts discuss the latest advances in geothermal energy, sharing details of its implementation on the Swarthmore College campus.

View inside the Jacobs Reading Room
January 14, 2026
Free

Othmer Library Tour

Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History!

    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.