This First Friday we launched Innate: How Science Invented the Myth of Race, a Distillations podcast and magazine project that examines the historical roots and persistent legacies of racism in American science and medicine.

The Innate podcast season and accompanying articles uncover hidden histories, unpack age-old misconceptions, and highlight those making change today.

Our kick-off celebration featured a live listening party and Q&A with the Distillations podcast team: Lisa Berry Drago, Mariel CarrRigoberto Hernandez, and Alexis Pedrick, who is also the Innate project lead. Visitors could take a peek behind the scenes, hear clips and bonus audio, and join the conversation with our producers and hosts.

The evening also included light snacks, a scavenger hunt in our museum, a rare book display, and a button making craft activity.
 

This event was supported in part by:

Aetna Better Health Kids: A CHIP Health Plan

About First Fridays

Spark your curiosity while exploring the exhibits after hours! First Fridays bring together a myriad of activities covering everyday science, historical oddities, and everything in between. Grab your friends, and kick off an evening of discovery, surprise, and a little nerdy fun.

First Fridays at the Institute are always free and open to the public. Attendees will receive a 10% discount to National Mechanics restaurant.

More events

blue armchairs, shelves, columns in library
November 7, 2025
Library Programs & Activities

Othmer Library Tour

Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History!

illustration of a torpedo boat on rough sea
November 7, 2025
First Fridays

First Friday: Nautical Navigation

Think you have what it takes to survive on the seven seas? Test your skills in a nautical navigation choose-your-own-adventure game!

brass microscope
November 8, 2025
For Families

Mighty Machines at the Please Touch Museum

Learn about the history of microscopy, how microscopes work, and look at various specimens from plants to fibers.

    Republish

    Copy the above HTML to republish this content. We have formatted the material to follow our guidelines, which include our credit requirements. Please review our full list of guidelines for more information. By republishing this content, you agree to our republication requirements.