Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks
Opening April 10, 2026, this exhibition celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Opens April 10, 2026
Hach Gallery
Join us this spring for an explosive history of fireworks!
In 2026 the Science History Institute will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a sparkling new exhibition that explores the long and global history of fireworks.
With objects ranging from historic rare books and fine art, to consumer catalogs and the latest pyrotechnic technologies, this exhibition will allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of centuries of knowledge among pyrotechnical makers in an intriguing walk through the history and chemistry of fireworks in the context of our nation’s 250th anniversary.
On display in our museum, located just blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Old City Philadelphia, Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks will have high visibility and be a unique contribution to our nation’s celebrations.
Launch Party! A History of Fireworks Opening Celebration will take place on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 5pm to 8pm at 315 Chestnut Street in Old City Philadelphia.
Featured image: Figure 53: Display of Fireworks on the Seine, Paris, from Chemistry, Developed by Facts and Principles Drawn Chiefly from the Non-Metals, 1884.
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PRESS RELEASE
Institute’s New Exhibition Explores the Sparkling and Explosive History of Fireworks
‘Flash! Bang! Boom!’ opens April 10 as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration.
STORIES BY TOPIC
Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire
Sparked by America’s 250th birthday celebration, you can learn all about the history of fireworks, the first paper match folder, and more.
DIGITAL COLLECTIONS
Fireworks
This collection features materials related to the history and science of fireworks, gunpowder, and other explosives.
The Institute’s Hach Gallery is named in memory of Clifford C. Hach (1919–1990) through the generosity of his wife, Kathryn C. “Kitty” Hach-Darrow (1922–2020). In the 1940s, the married chemists cofounded the Hach Chemical Company, which became a leading producer of water-testing reagents and instruments.