First Friday: Revolutionary Science
Join us for an exciting First Friday event that delves into the explosive world of fireworks and the intriguing science of the Revolutionary War!
Learn about the chemistry that creates those spectacular bursts of color in the sky as you uncover the secrets of gunpowder and its pivotal role in Revolutionary War weaponry. Meet a Revolutionary War reenactor and discover what life was like during the American Revolution, where the colors of the soldiers’ uniforms came from, and how scientific inventions like invisible ink helped spies communicate across army lines.
You can also join our curator for a special highlight tour exploring A Matter of Taste, an exhibition of rare books on the history of distillation, and hear about the rise of café and coffeeshop culture during the Age of Revolution.
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: Figure 53: Display of Fireworks on the Seine, Paris, from Chemistry, Developed by Facts and Principles Drawn Chiefly from the Non-Metals, 1884.
More events
Stories of Science: Summertime Science
Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!
America’s Scientific Revolutionaries
As the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches, Jeffery R. Appelhans highlights the American Philosophical Society’s efforts to shed light on the overlooked scientific revolution from 1763 to 1804.
Othmer Library Tour
Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History!