Museum Hours:Wednesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm
A large white bird standing near a chick on a ground nest with the ocean and a ship are visible in the background.A large white bird standing near a chick on a ground nest with the ocean and a ship are visible in the background.
DISTILLATIONS MAGAZINE

A Game of Cat and Mouse

A predator stalks Marion Island, and it weighs less than an ounce. Scientists are racing to stop it.

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Gouache painting of C.T. Brock & Co.’s Crystal Palace Fireworks, ca. 1890Gouache painting of C.T. Brock & Co.’s Crystal Palace Fireworks, ca. 1890
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.

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Postcard from the industrial appliance division of the United Gas Improvement Co.Postcard from the industrial appliance division of the United Gas Improvement Co.
COLLECTIONS BLOG

Philadelphia: Workshop of the World

Mapping Philadelphia’s industrial past with digital tools.

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dark blue graphic showing 52 Weeks of Firsts along with various mementosdark blue graphic showing 52 Weeks of Firsts along with various mementos
EVENTS

52 Weeks of Firsts

Join us for a special Stories of Science program highlighting the invention of the first paper match folder as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration.

Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 10am-5pm

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gif of chemist in a lab

We tell the stories behind the science.

The Science History Institute explores lesser-known and overlooked stories from the history of science and technology. We dive deep into the history of scientific successes and failures, with a focus on expanding knowledge and broadening our understanding of how science and society intersect.

Collect. Preserve. Interpret. Share.

Through research, storytelling, public programming, and educational outreach, we reveal how science is embedded in our daily lives.

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