Women have served a central role in shaping chemistry and the material sciences throughout history.

In our Women in Chemistry talk, we will profile lesser-known women chemists from antiquity to the present, and share stories of innovation, resistance, and change. You’ll learn about the legendary founding women of alchemy, explore the connections between domesticity and distillation, see how wartime changed the laboratory, and meet pioneering chemists and chemistry educators.


This online event is free and no reservations are necessary.

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View inside the Jacobs Reading Room
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Othmer Library Tour

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

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From Our Forefathers: Climate Crisis in Chemistry History

We’ve teamed up with artist Aislinn Pentecost-Farren and ArtPhilly’s What Now: 2026 festival to look at our museum through a new lens.

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First Friday: Game On! The Science of Sports

Philly is a sports city, so we’re looking at the science behind your favorite games!

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