Curious Histories Fest

Curious Histories Fest is the Science History Institute’s annual celebration of science, history, exploration, and experimentation.

Curious Histories Fest 2025: What’s for Lunch?

Inspired by our exhibition Lunchtime: The History of Science on the School Food Tray, our third annual festival will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025. This year we’re exploring the history of food science and efforts to feed children in school. Details are coming soon!

Curious Histories Fest is open to all ages. Admission and programs are free; food and drink are pay-as-you-go. No reservations are necessary.

Major funding for Curious Histories Fest is provided by the Bolte Family Foundation with additional support from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Curious Histories Fest 2024: Color Your World

Inspired by our BOLD: Color from Test Tube to Textile exhibition, our second annual festival was held on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

A record-setting 536 guests enjoyed family activities, hands-on crafts, engaging talks, and live dyeing demos. Our museum featured special collections showcasing strange and wondrous color and dye histories. The day also included food trucks, special guests, and live music.

Curious Histories Fest 2023: A Taste of Water

The theme of our inaugural festival, “A Taste of Water,” featured a daylong celebration of the water in your world. Held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, more than 350 visitors enjoyed free hands-on activities and family-friendly fun, as well as exciting talks, tours, and highlights from our special collections.