The Science History Institute is a small museum dedicated to the history of the chemical and molecular sciences. We tell the stories behind the science: histories of discovery and innovation, challenge and change. Our collections include scientific instrumentation and tools of the laboratory, artwork related to alchemy and early chemistry, photography and archives, a specialized research library with a rare books collection, and a growing digital collection. Our main museum and permanent exhibition are on the first floor, with an additional upper level mezzanine. We also have a special changing exhibits gallery, and regular “pop-up” exhibits in our ExhibitLab and on the exterior of our building façade; please check our website to see what’s new and currently on view!
Our tours and programs are most suitable for ages 12-13 (7th grade) and up.
We do not have a lunchroom, cafe, or any food facilities on-site for groups. However, there is a lovely park right across the street that many groups choose to picnic in (Independence National Historical Park). Please note that food and drinks are not allowed inside the gallery spaces, as it risks attracting pests or causing water damage to our artifacts.
On our first floor you will find wheelchair-accessible water fountains, a water bottle filling station, a coat check with free lockers (unattended), and a men’s and women’s restroom. Each of our first-floor restrooms have 4-5 stalls.
Group tour and group visit reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance. Let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your trip.
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See all tipsOur "Highlights" tours offer fresh encounters with historical artifacts, centered on a single theme that explores science's impact on society. Your group will enjoy a focused tour of a single section of our museum, followed by a guided, hands-on collections activity or demonstration that brings science history to life.
In our “Materials for the Masses” tour, you'll explore the history of modern materials, with a special focus on synthetic textiles like Nylon, Lycra, Spandex, and more. These fibers changed our world, from fashion to medicine, through wartime to peacetime and beyond. You'll look back at the history of natural textiles like wool and linen, then jump ahead to see high-tech solutions like ePTFE. Guided demonstrations will showcase the history of dyes, the technology behind "stretch" fibers, and how high-tech fibers are used today.
history, modern history, women's history, science
field trip
$3.00 per Person for Non School Group
$3.00 per Person for School Group
$1.00 per Person for Title I School
Bring your school or camp group for a fun-filled interactive scavenger hunt activity in our museum! Scavenger hunts typically last roughly 30 minutes and begin with a brief introduction to our museum. followed by self-guided exploration. Our scavenger hunt worksheets come in a wide variety of topics and themes, from "Machines in the Museum" (looking at scientific instruments) to "Meet the Elements" (exploring the Periodic Table) or "Behind the Science" (introducing "hidden figures" of science discovery) and more.
history, science, chemistry
field trip
$2.00 per Person for Non School Group
$2.00 per Person for School Group
$1.00 per Person for Title I School
Our Science & Activism Tour invites visitors to consider these questions: Who is a scientist? Who is an activist? How does each bring about change?
This tour will explore historical moments of crisis, challenge, and change; from the influential book Silent Spring by conservationist Rachel Carson and the rise of the environmental movement; to ACT UP, the AIDS crisis, and the development of the patients’ bill of rights; to the Black Panthers’ lead role in community testing for sickle cell anemia; and more stories that examine the complex interactions between scientific knowledge, public policy, and community advocacy. This tour offers a broad picture of the ways activists have reshaped our understanding of science, and how visitors can become engaged today.
We can accommodate up to 20 individuals per tour group with a minimum group size of eight. Larger groups will be split to stagger their tour times since our spaces are relatively small.
history, modern history, science, chemistry, social justice
field trip
$3.00 per Person for Non School Group
$3.00 per Person for School Group
$1.00 per Person for Title I School
Our Women in Chemistry Tour profiles women chemists from antiquity to the present, sharing stories of innovation, resistance, and change.
On this tour, you can expect to learn about the legendary founding women of alchemy, explore the connections between domesticity and distillation
see how wartime changed the laboratory, and more. You’ll meet pioneering chemists and chemistry educators, from 17th-century French alchemist Marie Meurdrac to Marie Maynard Daly, the first Black woman in America to receive a PhD in chemistry.
We can accommodate up to 20 individuals per tour group with a minimum group size of eight. Larger groups will be split to stagger their tour times since our spaces are relatively small.
history, women's history, science, chemistry
field trip
$3.00 per Person for Non School Group
$3.00 per Person for School Group
$1.00 per Person for Title I School
Every year, the Nobel Prizes shine a spotlight on a few famous scientists. But hidden just out of the spotlight are the large and diverse teams that make important research happen. In this interactive virtual program, we'll explore who is really "behind the science." Hear stories from the lab, meet unsung individuals who helped shape scientific knowledge, and get inspired by new achievements and discoveries.
Our Virtual Talks are suitable for school groups as well as adult audiences, college classrooms, libraries, and meetup groups/clubs. Following the talk, there will be time for an interactive audience Q&A. Virtual Talks are conducted via Zoom.
history, modern history, science, chemistry
virtual field trip
$150.00 per Group for Adults
$150.00 per Group for Non School Group
$100.00 per Group for School Group
Our Women in Chemistry Virtual Talk profiles women chemists from antiquity to the present, sharing stories of innovation, resistance, and change.
During this Virtual Talk, you can expect to learn about the legendary founding women of alchemy, explore the connections between domesticity and distillation, see how wartime changed the laboratory, and more. You’ll meet pioneering chemists and chemistry educators, from 17th-century French alchemist Marie Meurdrac to Marie Maynard Daly, the first Black woman in America to receive a PhD in chemistry.
Our Virtual Talks are suitable for school groups as well as adult audiences, college classrooms, libraries, and meetup groups/clubs. Following the talk, there will be time for an interactive audience Q&A. Virtual Talks are conducted via Zoom.
history, women's history, science, chemistry
virtual field trip
$150.00 per Group for Adults
$150.00 per Group for Non School Group
$100.00 per Group for School Group
Our "Highlights" tours offer fresh encounters with historical artifacts, centered on a single theme that explores science's impact on society. Your group will enjoy a focused tour of a single section of our museum, followed by a guided, hands-on collections activity or demonstration that brings science history to life.
In our “Materials for the Masses” tour, you'll explore the history of modern materials, with a special focus on synthetic textiles like Nylon, Lycra, Spandex, and more. These fibers changed our world, from fashion to medicine, through wartime to peacetime and beyond. You'll look back at the history of natural textiles like wool and linen, then jump ahead to see high-tech solutions like ePTFE. Guided demonstrations will showcase the history of dyes, the technology behind "stretch" fibers, and how high-tech fibers are used today.
history, modern history, women's history, science
tour groups
$3.00 per Person for Postsecondary School
$3.00 per Person for Adults
Bring your club, class or group for a fun-filled interactive scavenger hunt activity in our museum! Scavenger hunts typically last roughly 30 minutes and begin with a brief introduction to our museum. followed by self-guided exploration. Our scavenger hunt worksheets come in a wide variety of topics and themes, from "Machines in the Museum" (looking at scientific instruments) to "Meet the Elements" (exploring the Periodic Table) or "Behind the Science" (introducing "hidden figures" of science discovery) and more.
history, science, chemistry
tour groups
$2.00 per Person for Postsecondary School
$2.00 per Person for Adults
Our Science & Activism Tour invites visitors to consider these questions: Who is a scientist? Who is an activist? How does each bring about change?
This tour will explore historical moments of crisis, challenge, and change; from the influential book Silent Spring by conservationist Rachel Carson and the rise of the environmental movement; to ACT UP, the AIDS crisis, and the development of the patients’ bill of rights; to the Black Panthers’ lead role in community testing for sickle cell anemia; and more stories that examine the complex interactions between scientific knowledge, public policy, and community advocacy. This tour offers a broad picture of the ways activists have reshaped our understanding of science, and how visitors can become engaged today.
We can accommodate up to 20 individuals per tour group with a minimum group size of eight. Larger groups will be split to stagger their tour times since our spaces are relatively small.
history, modern history, science, chemistry, social justice
tour groups
$3.00 per Person for Postsecondary School
$3.00 per Person for Adults
Our Women in Chemistry Tour profiles women chemists from antiquity to the present, sharing stories of innovation, resistance, and change.
On this tour, you can expect to learn about the legendary founding women of alchemy, explore the connections between domesticity and distillation see how wartime changed the laboratory, and more. You’ll meet pioneering chemists and chemistry educators, from 17th-century French alchemist Marie Meurdrac to Marie Maynard Daly, the first Black woman in America to receive a PhD in chemistry.
We can accommodate up to 20 individuals per tour group with a minimum group size of eight. Larger groups will be split to stagger their tour times since our spaces are relatively small.
history, women's history, science, chemistry
tour groups
$3.00 per Person for Postsecondary School
$3.00 per Person for Adults