About Us
We tell the stories behind the science.
Science is all around us. It shapes who we are and what we do, from the clothes we wear and the phones we carry, to the food we eat and the water we drink. But science has a past—a rich and often surprising past that reveals the origins of ideas and innovations that impact our daily lives.
The Science History Institute collects, preserves, interprets, and shares that past by exploring lesser-known and sometimes overlooked stories from the history of science and technology. And we don’t just mean discoveries made in laboratories. 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.
History and Future
Founded in 1982, the Institute is dedicated to uncovering the hidden stories of the people responsible for significant scientific achievements and to illuminating the complex circumstances behind important moments of investigation and discovery. As the Science History Institute looks forward, our research, storytelling, public programming, and educational outreach will continue to reflect these diverse and compelling histories and to challenge perspectives by applying a critical lens to past theories and harmful practices.
Learn More
Satisfy your curiosity about the history of science by visiting our museum and library; viewing our exhibitions; listening to our Distillations and Disappearing Spoon podcasts; reading our magazine and blog; attending our programs; and browsing our digital collections.
Leadership
President David Cole works closely with the Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, Affiliates Council, and the Leadership Team to fullfill the Institute’s mission.
Staff & Fellows
Meet the diverse, friendly, and talented people who come from all over the world to work and do research at the Science History Institute.
Projects & Initiatives
We collect, preserve, interpret, and share the history of science through a diverse array of independent and grant-funded projects and initiatives.
Awards Program
We recognize the achievements of researchers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs who have made extraordinary contributions to science and technology.
News
Exciting things are happening at the Science History Institute! Stay up to date with the latest news.
Pressroom
The Institute’s pressroom provides easy access to press releases, contact information, and recent news mentions.
Join Our Team
Join the Science History Institute and help us tell the stories behind the science.
Contact Us
Questions about the Science History Institute? Get in touch with us by phone or email.
Our History
The Science History Institute was formed by the merger of the Chemical Heritage Foundation and the Life Sciences Foundation.