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

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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

proclamation showing illustration of William Penn
May 22, 2023

Philadelphia Mayor Declares June 10 ‘Science History Day’

Official proclamation invites the public to join the Institute for ‘Curious Histories Fest: A Taste of Water,’ a free, daylong celebration focused on the science and history of water.

Gordon Moore at the Chemical Heritage Foundation in 2005.
March 28, 2023

Science History Institute Remembers Board of Advisors Member Gordon Moore

The Intel cofounder passed away March 24, 2023, at the age of 94.

March 22, 2023

Nobel Laureate Frances Arnold to Receive 2023 SCI Perkin Medal

The Caltech professor and Ullyot lecturer will receive the prestigious award as part of the Institute’s Innovation Day conference on September 12.

February 1, 2023

‘Jewish Exponent’ Features Institute’s ‘Science and Survival’ Exhibition

Collections staff quoted in article about how the outdoor exhibition gives voice to the Bredig family’s struggle to escape the Nazis.

January 10, 2023

Science History Institute Featured in ‘Philadelphia’ Magazine

Interview with new board member Sam Tharpe spotlights the Institute’s partnership with the Society of Flavor Chemists to preserve the history of food science.

January 5, 2023

Science History Institute and Pittsburgh Conference to Present Pittcon Heritage Award to Fasha Mahjoor

Noted architect and Phenomenex founder to be recognized at 2023 conference in Philadelphia.

November 29, 2022

Science History Institute Announces Dow CEO Jim Fitterling Is 2023 Petrochemical Heritage Award Honoree

The prestigious award will be presented jointly with the Founders Club on March 27, 2023, during AFPM’s International Petrochemical Conference in San Antonio.

November 17, 2022

‘Downstream’ Wins 2022 SHOT Dibner Award for Excellence in Museum Exhibits

Prestigious award from the Society for the History of Technology recognizes exhibitions that raise important historical issues.

November 14, 2022

Sam Tharpe Joins Science History Institute’s Board of Directors

The flavor chemist will also serve as chairman of the Institute’s Affiliates Council.

A Beckman Center fellow conducts research in the Othmer Library.
October 28, 2022

Science History Institute’s Beckman Center Now Accepting Applications for 2023–2024 Fellowships

The deadline to apply is January 15, 2023.

October 21, 2022

Friends of the Wissahickon Features Guest Blog Post by Institute’s Curatorial Affairs Director

Jesse Smith shares his insights into microplastics and the history of water protection through our ‘Downstream’ exhibition.

October 6, 2022

Chemical Biologist Carolyn Bertozzi Among Trio Awarded 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Institute’s 2023 Ullyot lecturer shares prestigious award with K. Barry Sharpless and Morten Meldal for development of click and bioorthogonal chemistry.

September 27, 2022

Bucks County Library Hosts Virtual Talk by Institute’s Roger Turner

Instruments and artifacts curator will present ‘What’s Behind a Nobel Prize?’ on October 4.

August 31, 2022

Future STEM Leaders Gather at Science History Institute for Xtreme5 Teen Tech Summit

The Grace3 Technologies-powered event featured hands-on experiences with drones and other AI tech for more than 100 Philadelphia students.

August 25, 2022

Science History Institute and Fondation de la Maison de la Chimie Name Joseph Gal Winner of 2022 Franklin-Lavoisier Prize

The organic chemist is being honored for his research on the life and work of Louis Pasteur.

August 22, 2022

Institute VP Michelle DiMeo to Speak at Princeton American Chemical Society Meeting

Museum and library head will present ‘Where Were Women in Chemistry in the 1600s?’ on September 28.

August 15, 2022

WHYY Summer Journalists Program Features Science History Institute

Student news report takes an in-depth look at how we tell the stories behind the science that shapes our everyday lives.

August 12, 2022

Institute, Tsinghua University Partner to Present Online Exhibition

‘From Peas to the Human Genome Project’ features instruments from our collections to commemorate 200th birthday of genetics founder Gregor Mendel.