Please note: the Science History Institute Museum will close at 4pm on Friday, September 22 and reopen at 5pm for Vibrant, Dazzling, BOLD: An Opening Celebration.

Join our museum’s Gallery Guides for a “drop-in” tour that explores the importance of water and the histories of pollution and protection that have changed our relationship to this vital substance.

Clean water is life, and our scientific understanding of the water cycle’s significance and complexity has grown in the last few centuries.

On this tour, you’ll learn about the gods and powerful beings that were believed to protect flowing waters, how early anti-pollution advocates dealt with crises like thousands of dead fish in the Colorado River, and how chemistry and water knowledge intersect. Find out how Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, the EPA, and scientists and activists throughout history have fought to protect our waters from contamination.

We’ll also talk about the history of our local water sources in the Delaware Valley, the technological advancements that led to the water systems we have today, and how innovators helped us observe, test, and purify water, first to make it fit for human consumption, and later as a matter of environmental ethics.


Drop-in tours are free and no reservations are necessary.

More events

illustration of dancers and streams of color over a black background
September 22, 2023
Museum Programs & Activities

Vibrant, Dazzling, BOLD: An Opening Celebration

Join us in celebrating the opening of our newest exhibition, BOLD: Color from Test Tube to Textile.

Painting of William Henry Perkin
September 23, 2023
Free

Dyes & Textiles Tour

This “drop-in” tour highlights the science of natural dyes and textiles, the technology behind synthetic clothing, and the impact of fashion on human health and the environment.

Illustrations of bacteria
September 23, 2023
For Families

Stories of Science

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

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