The 4th of July is just one week away, and we’re here for the fireworks. Join us tomorrow at the Wawa Welcome America festival for some oooh-and-aaah-inspiring activities or learn about the science of fireworks by registering for our July First Friday. We’re lighting up the sky with the 1650 treatise Artis Magnae Artilleriae, which features an engraving of military fireworks in clay pots. And before you read about Robert St. George Dyrenforth, a “weather alchemist” who used fireworks and other pyrotechnics to make it rain, we’d love for you to take a short survey on the kinds of programming you find engaging. But first we pause to remember philanthropist Roy Eddleman, a longtime member of our Board of Overseers who recently passed away.
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This summer, we’re working with research, evaluation, and strategy firm Kera Collective to learn more about the Science History Institute’s key audiences. We invite you to take a short survey and tell us about the kinds of programming you find engaging. |
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Completing the survey only takes a few minutes, but your input will help us tremendously. Thanks in advance for your participation! |
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Roy Eddleman is pictured in 2019 at the Institute’s “Rare Earth Elements: The Intersection of Science and Society” event held in LA. 📷 Science History Institute/Teresa Halton
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The Science History Institute joins the scientific community in mourning the loss of Roy T. Eddleman, a passionate science lover and generous philanthropist who was a longtime member of our Board of Overseers. Eddleman, who passed away on June 11, 2022, at the age of 82, is being fondly remembered as someone who “lived his best life.” In 2000 the Spectrum LifeSciences founder gifted the Institute with 25 alchemy paintings, adding to one of the largest collections of alchemical art in the world. He held several patents, including for his “fleaker” lab container, and was the recipient of the Institute’s 2016 Richard J. Bolte Sr. Award for Supporting Industries.
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In a unique partnership, the Science History Institute and the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of History and Sociology of Science will serve as host institutions for the History of Science Society (HSS), a nearly century-old scholarly association. The arrangement, set to last for at least five years, highlights Philadelphia as a hub for history of science scholarship. The Institute will provide support as well as opportunities for onsite meetings, exhibitions, and other programming, and Penn will fund mentorship and work opportunities for students with HSS’s executive office.
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The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) has recognized the Science History Institute with an Award of Excellence for Downstream, our current exhibition that explores more than 200 years of water analysis and protection in the Delaware Valley and beyond. The Award of Excellence is part of the AASLH Leadership in History Awards, the most prestigious honor for achievement in the preservation of state and local history.
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Programs and events are held online or at the Science History Institute unless otherwise noted. |
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Tuesday, June 28, 2022
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EDT
Franklin Square
6th & Race Streets
Philadelphia
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Join the Science History Institute at the Wawa Welcome America festival for some oooh-and-aaah-inspiring activities exploring the history of fireworks. You’ll find us alongside face painters, storytellers, lantern-making workshops, book giveaways, tai chi classes, and more. This event is free and open to the public. |
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Museum Programs & Activities
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Friday, July 1, 2022
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. EDT
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Celebrate July’s First Friday with a bang as we explore the chemistry and artistry of fireworks through the ages. First Fridays are free and open to the public; registration is strongly encouraged. Attendees will receive a 10% discount to National Mechanics restaurant.
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Museum Programs & Activities
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Saturday, July 9, 2022
2:00 p.m. EDT
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Join our museum’s Gallery Guides for a “drop-in” Women in Chemistry Tour highlighting the central role of women in shaping chemistry and the material sciences throughout history. Admission is free and no reservations are necessary. |
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Museum Programs & Activities
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Saturday, July 16, 2022
11:00 a.m. EDT
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Dive into a day of family-friendly, Downstream-related activities that includes storytime and exploration of our exhibitions. Family Day takes place the third Saturday of each month. Admission is free and no reservations are necessary. |
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Museum Programs & Activities
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Saturday, July 23, 2022
2:00 p.m. EDT
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From Rachel Carson to ACT UP, our “drop-in” Science & Activism Tour explores how scientists and activists have shaped discovery and created change with stories of environmental justice, patients’ rights, and community science. Admission is free and no reservations are necessary. |
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An image of a technocrat pulling the world’s weather levers appeared on the cover of Collier’s in 1954. 📷 Estate of Frederick Siebel
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With dynamite, cannons, and even fireworks, Robert St. George Dyrenforth hoped to end drought in the late 19th century.
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Follow the birth, life, and demise of the Hercules Powder Company, which once dominated the explosives industry in the United States.
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We live in a relational world. Technoscientific images help us see that way.
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Our digital collections house more than 12,800 curated items on a variety of topics, including fireworks:
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Elémens de Pyrotechnie [Elements of Pyrotechnics], historical account of the art and science of fireworks, 1811
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Vier Bücher der Ritterschafft, German-language edition of De re militari [Concerning Military Matters], a 4th-century work by Vegetius that includes depictions of more contemporary technologies such as handguns, cannons, and fireworks, 1529
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Alan MacDiarmid is pictured at the Science History Institute in 2000. 📷 Science History Institute/Douglas Lockhard
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Chemist Alan MacDiarmid (1927–2007) received the 2000 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Alan Heeger and Hideki Shirakawa for the discovery and development of conductive polymers. His love of science began during his childhood in New Zealand, where he learned how to make fireworks for Guy Fawkes Day—also known as Fireworks Night—by reading the 1924 book The Boy Chemist. After attending Victoria University of Wellington, MacDiarmid won a Fulbright Fellowship to the University of Wisconsin, earning an MS and PhD in inorganic chemistry. He held a postdoctoral appointment at Cambridge University before joining the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania in 1955. He became a full professor in 1964 and taught chemistry there for the rest of his career.
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View of our award-winning Downstream exhibition. 📷 Science History Institute/Emma Gothelf
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Hach Gallery
Horiba Gallery
DuPont Gallery
Lobby
Building Façade
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Now more than ever it’s important to tell the stories of science. Help us continue this work by supporting the Science History Institute.
Make a gift before we close the books on fiscal year 2022 on June 30!
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