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

2 women using scientific equipment
November 11, 2024

Science History Institute and Pittsburgh Conference to Present Pittcon Heritage Award to Jeanette Grasselli Brown

The noted analytical chemist, entrepreneur, and researcher will be honored at the 2025 conference in Boston this March.

Dow ad from the 1950s
October 29, 2024

Institute Awarded More Than $590K in Grants from NEH and Open Philanthropy

Funds will support new research projects, including collections archiving and a conference on the history and future of biotechnology.

people studying in a library
October 23, 2024

Applications for 2025–2026 Beckman Center Fellowships Now Open

Researchers can apply by January 15 for various long- and short-term programs, including a new $2,500 fellowship at the British Library.

October 8, 2024

Science History Institute and Fondation de la Maison de la Chimie Name Bernadette Bensaude-Vincent Winner of 2024 Franklin-Lavoisier Prize

The French philosopher and historian will be honored for her contributions to the history and philosophy of chemistry on November 6 in Paris.

people standing in a museum exhibit
September 30, 2024

Opening Celebration Attendees Give Institute’s New ‘Lunchtime’ Exhibition an A+

The sold-out crowd explored the surprising history behind the school lunch with a themed food tasting, chalkboard memory wall, and curator’s talk.

Dow Pharmaceuticals ad 1940s
September 9, 2024

Institute to Host Consortium for History of Science, Technology, and Medicine

Five-year agreement allows the collaborative membership organization to remain in Philadelphia.

Lunchtime logo hero
August 5, 2024

Explore the History of Science on the School Food Tray with Institute’s New ‘Lunchtime’ Exhibition Opening September 27

Visitors will uncover the surprising story behind the school lunch.

people attending a conference
July 24, 2024

Science History Institute Hosts 2024 Gordon Cain Conference

“Storytelling as Pedagogy” program explored using scientific biographies in the classroom and beyond.

Fellows at work in the Othmer Library at the Institute.
July 1, 2024

Science History Institute Welcomes 2024–2025 Beckman Center Fellows

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

people gathered outside at a festival
June 10, 2024

Color History, Dyeing Demos, Cyanotype Printing Draw Record-Setting Crowd at Institute’s 2nd Annual Curious Histories Fest

Science lovers of all ages explore every shade of the rainbow at ‘Color Your World’ celebration.

May 30, 2024

Science History Institute Launches ‘Voices of Science’ Oral History Video Project

Hear the stories of five scientists who faced personal, professional, and social challenges in their careers.

illustration of overlapping colors
May 23, 2024

Science History Institute Launches New Season of ‘Distillations’ Podcast

Weekly episodes explore surprising stories about color, drug treatments, psychiatry, and more starting June 4.

May 2, 2024

‘Color Your World’ at Institute’s 2nd Annual Curious Histories Fest

Join us for a free, daylong celebration of all things color on Saturday, June 8, 11am–3pm.

Moore Medal
April 25, 2024

2024 SCI Moore and Perkin Medal Winners Announced

DuPont’s Caleb Funk and Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Max McDaniel will be honored by the Society of Chemical Industry and the Science History Institute as part of Innovation Day on September 9 in Philadelphia.

screenshot of the Institute's homepage
April 3, 2024

Sciencehistory.org Is 2024 Webby Honoree

Institute’s website recognized by the 28th Annual Webby Awards as one of the best of the internet in the science category.

colorful pair of eclipse glasses on a table in the museum gallery
March 29, 2024

Get Ready for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse with Free Science History Institute Glasses

Visit our museum for your very own pair of eclipse glasses to view the highly anticipated celestial event on April 8.

overhead view of museum displays
March 4, 2024

Science History Institute Is ‘Best-Kept Secret’ Finalist in Visit Philly’s Inaugural Liberty Bell Awards

Help us win by voting once a day now through March 14, 2024.

award medals and plaque
February 23, 2024

MIT Professor Paula Hammond, TIAX Founder Kenan Sahin, and Scripps CEO Peter Schultz to Receive 2024 Science History Institute Awards

Othmer Gold Medal, Bolte Award, and AIC Gold Medal will be presented on May 8 in Philadelphia.