Jesse Smith
Vice President of Interpretation and Education; Director of the Museum
Jesse Smith is vice president of interpretation and education and director of the museum at the Science History Institute, where he oversees collecting activities and interpretive projects in the public history of science and technology.
He was the curator of Downstream, a temporary exhibition on the history of water analysis and protection, which received a 2022 Institutional Achievement Award from PA Museums, a 2022 Award of Excellence from the American Association of State and Local History, and the 2022 Dibner Award for Excellence in Museum Exhibits from the Society for the History of Technology. He is also the curator of Lunchtime: The History of Science on the School Food Tray, an exhibition that examines the scientific and technological roots of school feeding efforts in the United States for more than a century. Lunchtime and related products and programs have been supported by a $289,000 grant from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.
Jesse received his PhD in the history and sociology of science at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Science History Institute’s Leadership Team.
More from Jesse Smith
Lunchtime: The History of Science on the School Food Tray
This exhibition offers a novel historical perspective on efforts to feed children in U.S. schools.
Earthly Matters
Explore a unique collection of minerals that tells the story of human curiosity about the material world around us.
Fats, Butter, Beef, and Lard
This outdoor exhibition explores the battle between butter and oleomargarine in the late 19th century.
Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks
Opening April 2026, this exhibition celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Get to Know Phillip Bellizzi, Our New Public Services Librarian
One of Phil’s roles is to answer reference questions. Today’s subject? Himself.
The Kids Are Alright
Understanding past attitudes toward science and medicine through children’s books.
Downstream
Explore more than 200 years of water analysis and protection in the Delaware River Valley and beyond.
Cycles, Circulations, and Systems
We live in a relational world. Technoscientific images help us see that way.
A New Blog Takes Flight
Meet Gabriela and Jesse, coeditors of the Institute’s new collections blog.