The Science History Institute Museum is closed for renovations.
The Othmer Library remains open by appointment.

News

Exciting things are happening at the Science History Institute! Stay up to date with the latest news.
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Science History Institute Museum Temporarily Closed for Renovations December 22, 2024–March 7, 2025

three magazine covers
January 19, 2024

‘Distillations,’ ‘Chemical Heritage’ Magazines Added to Institute’s Digital Collections

Digitized issues of both publications feature OCR technology, allowing users to search for specific content.

smiling women in blue jacket and white shirt
January 16, 2024

ExxonMobil’s Karen McKee Named 2024 Petrochemical Heritage Award Honoree

The prestigious award will be presented by the Science History Institute and the Founders Club on March 25, 2024, during AFPM’s International Petrochemical Conference in San Antonio.

East side of Horiba Gallery during BOLD opening
January 5, 2024

Science History Institute Nominated as Philly Favorites Museum by ‘Philadelphia Inquirer’

Help us win by voting once a day now through January 19, 2024.

rare earth elements on the periodic table
November 30, 2023

Institute’s Rare Earth Elements Project Wins Royal Society of Chemistry Award

Prestigious Horizon Prize recognizes exceptional contributions to chemistry education.

November 27, 2023

Institute’s Rachel Lane Named 2023 Women@MIT Fellow for ‘Mapping Migration’ Project

Interactive story map uses oral histories to highlight the experiences of 18 international women at MIT.

man doing research in a library
October 23, 2023

Applications for NEH Postdoctoral, Curatorial, and Other 2024–2025 Beckman Center Fellowships Now Open

The deadline for researchers and scholars to apply is January 15, 2024.

October 3, 2023

Science History Institute, Pittsburgh Conference to Present Pittcon Heritage Award to Philip J. Wyatt

Wyatt Technology founder to be recognized at 2024 conference in San Diego.

illustration of a man giving a lecture
August 16, 2023

Institute Launches New Science and Society Speaker Series

Nobel laureate Roald Hoffmann kicks off this engaging program with a talk on November 16, followed by an expert panel discussion on plastics on December 6.

Carolyn Bertozzi in 2022
July 31, 2023

Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi to Present Science History Institute’s 2023 Ullyot Lecture

Q&A session, award presentation, and reception to follow Stanford professor’s ‘Sweet Revenge on Cancer’ talk being held October 17.

students gathered at a conference
July 26, 2023

Grace3 Technologies, National Black Empowerment Council Present 3rd Annual Xtreme5 Teen Tech Summit at Science History Institute

Drones, robotics, and Google’s Be Internet Awesome online safety program top list of tools and technologies experienced by more than 200 Philadelphia students at STEM event.

Ned Heindel with parts of his old medical collection including blood letting device and pill roller
July 6, 2023

Science History Institute Mourns Death of Board Committee Member Ned Heindel

The longtime Institute supporter passed away on June 27, 2023, at the age of 85.

June 28, 2023

Institute’s Beckman Center Receives NEH Grant for Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

$200K+ award to fund stipends for history of science scholars for next three years.

Illustration of William Harvey’s famous experiment showing blood circulation
June 28, 2023

Science History Institute Debuts A Closer Read Series in New Museum Space

Inaugural exhibition, ‘Blood and Fire,’ tells the story of experimental science through rare books on display on the Institute’s mezzanine.

Heritage Day Awards
June 20, 2023

Science History Institute Presents 2023 Curious Histories Awards to Trailblazers Geraldine Richmond, David Jukes, and K. Barry Sharpless

Othmer Gold Medal, Bolte Award, and AIC Gold Medal winners honored for outstanding achievements during Institute’s annual Curious Histories Fest on June 10.

museum visitors
June 15, 2023

Water History, Oyster Tasting, and Aquatic Bugs Draw Large Crowds at Institute’s First Annual Curious Histories Fest

Science lovers of all ages gather for ‘A Taste of Water,’ a daylong celebration of H2O.

compilation image of new board members 2023
June 14, 2023

Science History Institute Welcomes 3 New Board Members

Business, technology, and pharmaceutical leaders Michael DeSimone, John Henry, and Catherine Sohn will help support the Institute’s mission and strengthen our industry relationships.

people in a library
June 12, 2023

Science History Institute Welcomes 2023–2024 Beckman Center Fellows

Our incoming fellows study a wide range of topics in the history and social studies of chemistry, chemical engineering, and the life sciences.

Moore Medal
June 9, 2023

Dow R&D Fellow Kaoru Aou to Receive 20th Annual SCI Gordon E. Moore Medal

Groundbreaking polyurethane researcher to be honored by the Society of Chemical Industry and the Science History Institute during Innovation Day on September 12 in Philadelphia.