Ever wondered what gives lift to cakes, or why a batch of cookies failed? What’s the secret? Science!

This First Friday, take a journey through the kitchen and the chemistry lab as we look at the delicious side of food science! Join us in exploring the chemistry of baking, browse a pop-up of vintage cookbooks, and learn about the less-than-savory ingredients added to food products throughout history. And—just in time for the holidays—stop by our hands-on craft station to make your own unique recipe card, with inspiration from our historical recipe collections!

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.


Featured image: “Dinner in December,” color print advertisement for Dow Chemical Company, 1944.

More events

View inside the Jacobs Reading Room
June 3, 2026
Free

Othmer Library Tour

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

overhead view of museum displays
June 4, 2026
Museum Programs & Activities

From Our Forefathers: Climate Crisis in Chemistry History

We’ve teamed up with artist Aislinn Pentecost-Farren and ArtPhilly’s What Now: 2026 festival to look at our museum through a new lens.

black and white photo of a boy with baseball bat and ball
June 5, 2026
First Fridays

First Friday: Game On! The Science of Sports

Philly is a sports city, so we’re looking at the science behind your favorite games!

    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.