Due to exhibition construction, the museum is temporarily closed.
Our First Friday event has been rescheduled to March 13.

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

woman wearing glasses and plaid skirt in front of lab glassware
March 7, 2026
Drop-In Tours

Women in Chemistry Tour

[RESCHEDULED TO MARCH 21] Drop in for a tour highlighting the central role of women in shaping chemistry and the material sciences throughout history.

illustrated note about a frog
March 9, 2026
Science on Tap

What Frogs and Octopuses Know (That ChatGPT Doesn’t)

Won Jeon shows how AI produces convincing language while lacking the situational awareness that powers the communication of living organisms.

Museum educator Laura Prewitt speaks out the nylon exhibit with a man who using a white cane.
March 10, 2026
Museum Programs & Activities

From Nature to Nylons: A Touch-Based History of Textiles

This touch-based tour offers guests a private learning experience that combines a personally guided exploration of select gallery exhibits and a hands-on study of objects from our collections.

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