First Friday: Not-So-Secret Recipes
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
Movies on the Mall: National Treasure 2
Join the Science History Institute at Movies on the Mall and learn about the history of parchment.
School Lunch Tour
This interactive drop-in tour reveals how food scientists, the government, and the public have shaped in-school nutrition.
Stories of Science: CollegeFest 2025
All Philadelphia-area college students are invited to visit us during CollegeFest, Campus Philly’s annual “Welcome to Philadelphia!” celebration.