Science History Institute

NPR’s Neela Banerjee and Yale professor Paul Sabin discuss the interaction between journalistic and academic accounts of the past.Climate change is a global issue that requires new technologies, new economic policies, and new production and consumption practices. But it also requires a better understanding of the past and how decades of detrimental decisions and resulting emissions have shaped our current environmental crisis.This panel discussion explores the work of academic historians, whose authoritative research on climate is now published in such outlets as The Guardian and the New York Times, and investigative journalists, who have produced award-winning stories on the troubled

The T. T. Chao Symposium on Innovation explores, celebrates, and encourages innovation and sustainability in the chemical sciences.Synthetic plastics—once heralded as the materials of the future—are now recognized as a growing environmental threat. But when did our wonder and excitement about plastic products transform into anxiety and doubt?When Did Plastics Become a Problem?Join us for a lively panel conversation exploring this question. Expert speakers will examine plastics history and share perspectives ranging from local to global—and share inspiring contemporary case studies that approach the promise and perils of plastics in new and innovative ways. From plastics circularity in healthcare to

The T. T. Chao Symposium on Innovation explores, celebrates, and encourages innovation and sustainability in the chemical sciences.Synthetic plastics—once heralded as the materials of the future—are now recognized as a growing environmental threat. But when did our wonder and excitement about plastic products transform into anxiety and doubt?When Did Plastics Become a Problem?Join us for a lively panel conversation exploring this question. Expert speakers will examine plastics history and share perspectives ranging from local to global—and share inspiring contemporary case studies that approach the promise and perils of plastics in new and innovative ways. From plastics circularity in healthcare to

Shireen Hamza examines the incorporation of non-Western medicine into biomedical institutions in the United States.The incorporation of elements of non-Western medicine by biomedical institutions in the United States has been called complementary, integrative, or "alternative" medicine. But to offer acupuncture, yoga, or herbal medicine within a biomedical clinic is a radically different context from those in which these therapeutic practices were first developed.In this lecture, Shireen Hamza will explore the long histories of these traditions, their transformation through colonialism, and the plural approach of several "people's medicine" initiatives, including the Black Panthers. The history and philosophy of science can help

Science and Society Speaker SeriesThe Science History Institute’s newest exhibition, BOLD: Color from Test Tube to Textile, explores the 150-year history of the synthetic dyes that color our clothes and make our style stand out. But what does the future look like for sustainable fashion? And how can circular design—durable, reusable, and recyclable fashion—help combat “fast fashion” pollution and transform the relationships between us, our clothes, and our environment?Join experts from Philadelphia’s leading fashion sustainability initiatives for an engaging panel talk on the future of circular design!ModeratorRachel HigginsCofounder, PA FibershedSpeakersJo Corvus has a master of science in sustainable development and

What does energy look like on the big screen?Join us for a Fellow in Focus conversation with Raechel Lutz and Conevery Bolton Valencius, coeditor and contributor to the recent collection American Energy Cinema. By analyzing Hollywood films that feature energy as historical objects, the volume shows how energy systems of all kinds are both integral to the daily life of Americans and inextricable from larger societal change and global politics.About the speakersRaechel Lutz is a historian and teacher at the Wardlaw + Hartridge School. She earned her PhD in United States history from Rutgers University, and is the coeditor of

At this special Philly science café we explore the myths, legends, and science behind some of our favorite mythical creatures.Humans have been fascinated by the things we cannot fully explain since the beginning of time. Larger than life creatures like the Loch Ness Monster, Kraken, Bigfoot, and the recently discovered “Chinese Dragon” provide a glimpse into how humans have used the knowledge they have to help understand and explain phenomena in their world.At this special Science on Tap as we explore the myths, legends, and science behind some of our favorite mythical creatures. We’ll take a close look at how

October 2024 Meeting of the Joseph Priestley SocietyThe human stewardship of the earth is undergoing a metamorphosis and for very good reasons. The planet is getting hotter, and the situation is getting worse. Climate change represents the most important issue of our time, and it has created the need for development of new technologies to address the consequences of higher ambient temperatures. The built environment demands more energy for cooling, and the energy grid is struggling to keep up, making energy efficiency an important part of the response. Outside of transportation, heating and cooling commercial and residential spaces is an

From Gore-Tex to do-it-yourself kits, hear how synthetic fibers have transformed the outdoor industry.Join us in person or online as historian Rachel Gross, author of Shopping All the Way to the Woods: How the Outdoor Industry Sold Nature to America, examines how our changing ideas about nature, commerce, and self-identity have shaped the outdoor goods market into a booming, multi-billion-dollar industry.Gore-Tex and Do-It-Yourself Kits: How Synthetic Fibers Transformed the Outdoor IndustryOutdoorspeople flipping through the pages of popular magazines such as Backpacker or Field and Stream in the late 1970s would have seen page after page referencing a revolution in materials.

This annual public lecture celebrates the positive role that the chemical and molecular sciences play in our lives.The 2024 Ullyot Public Affairs Lecture will be presented by Omar Yaghi, James and Neeltje Tretter Chair Professor of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley.Endowed in 1990 by chemist Glenn Edgar Ullyot, this annual lecture seeks to emphasize to the general public the positive role the chemical and molecular sciences play in our daily lives. It is organized jointly with the Department of Chemistry and the Department of History and Sociology of Science at the University of Pennsylvania; the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Join chemist and author Michelle Francl for an intriguing evening exploring the science behind the world’s most popular beverage: tea!Tea can be a pick-me-up or give us a meditative moment. It’s been used to secure diplomacy and friendship, and been a coveted, contested commodity.Dr. Francl’s recent book, Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea, explores the science behind caffeine; the perfect temperature for steeping your tea leaves; the secret benefits of drying, roasting, and aging; and so much more. You’ll never experience your favorite tea—whether black, green, or pu’erh—the same way again!About the SpeakerMichelle M. Francl, PhD is the Frank B. Mallory

This workshop provides scholars and researchers interested with a foundation in oral history and research interview methodologies.The Center for Oral History at the Science History Institute is proud to provide training to scholars and researchers interested in learning oral history and research interview methodologies.This online workshop will introduce attendees to all aspects of the interview process, including general oral history theory and methodology, in-person and remote interviewing techniques, legal and ethical issues, transcription practices, archiving, recording equipment and its use, data management, and other relevant topics. Attendees are encouraged to bring their research ideas for discussion/feedback. Individuals interested in doing

February 2025 Meeting of the Joseph Priestley SocietyAchieving plastics circularity requires efficient collection and sorting, coupled with robust recycling technology.This panel discussion features experts from Eastman Chemical, EFS-plastics Inc., and the Centre County (PA) Recycling and Refuse Authority. Topics include chemical recycling with PET resin, mechanical recycling of multiple polymer types, and the challenges that are created when a largely rural county (Centre County) is home to a major university (Penn State University), particularly on football Saturdays.Each speaker will present their unique perspectives on the recycling process and the progress they see being made, as well as give an overview

March 2025 Meeting of the Joseph Priestley SocietyAbout the SpeakersEmily Levitt Ruppert received her PhD in international nutrition from Cornell University and her BA in archaeology and anthropology and an MPhil in material anthropology and museum ethnography from Oxford University. She has most recently served as an independent consultant and research advisor to the Afghanistan Institute of Nutrition and Home Economics.Jesse Smith is the director of curatorial affairs and digital content at the Science History Institute, where he oversees collecting activities and interpretive projects in the public history of science and technology. He is the curator of Lunchtime: The History

Join us for a fun and interactive evening event exploring rare books, archives, and library collections.Join our curators and librarians for a fun after-hours event in the Othmer Library’s reading room where you’ll have the opportunity tosee unexpected treasures not usually on displaymake a craft to take homesupport the library by adopting collection itemsand much more!About the Othmer LibraryThe Donald F. and Mildred Topp Othmer Library of Chemical History is an independent research library encompassing the history of chemistry and related sciences and industries.The Othmer Library was founded in 1988 when Donald and Mildred Topp Othmer announced their challenge grant

The Science History Institute invites you to an evening of music and scientific wonder with goth-folk duo Charming Disaster! Charming Disaster’s newest album, The Double, explores the world that exists behind the one we know, featuring songs inspired by nature, mortality, magic, ritual, and literary genres ranging from science fiction to Victorian horror. Through darkly whimsical songs about time travel, transformation, and the power of ritual, Charming Disaster celebrates the strange beauty of the natural world hidden world just beyond our perception—from the familiar trees in your backyard to the fantastical forests of imagination. Before the concert, join us in

This workshop provides scholars and researchers interested with a foundation in oral history and research interview methodologies.The Center for Oral History at the Science History Institute is proud to provide training to scholars and researchers interested in learning oral history and research interview methodologies.This online workshop will introduce attendees to all aspects of the interview process, including general oral history theory and methodology, in-person and remote interviewing techniques, legal and ethical issues, transcription practices, archiving, recording equipment and its use, data management, and other relevant topics. Attendees are encouraged to bring their research ideas for discussion/feedback. Individuals interested in doing

Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History!Since its founding in 1988, the Othmer Library at the Science History Institute has been a haven for research in the history of science—but there's more to the story. Explore the reading room on a guided tour, learn how our collection has grown, and discover why we have one of the most comprehensive rare book collections on chemistry and its alchemical roots.Guests 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Sixty years ago, in Gainesville, Florida, a new drink called Gatorade was created. The idea for Gatorade was sparked by an unlikely conversation between a University of Florida nephrologist named James Robert Cade and an assistant coach for the Florida Gators, Dewayne Douglas. Dehydrated and occasionally hospitalized, players were losing their games. According to Cade’s research, they were also losing an average of 18 pounds of water and critical amounts of sodium and chloride per 3½ hour game. Cade developed a mix of replacement fluids, containing glucose, sodium, potassium, phosphate and water. It tasted awful. Liberally doctored with lemon juice

Join the Science History Institute for opening of our new permanent exhibition featuring a collection of over 20 minerals.Across centuries and cultures, minerals have provided humans with essential raw materials. But how have we come to know and use the natural world?Join the Science History Institute as we celebrate the opening of Earthly Matters, our new permanent exhibition that explores the history and science behind a collection of more than 20 minerals. These elements, crystals, gemstones—and even a meteorite!—tell stories of human curiosity about the natural world around us. Visitors will learn about the long history of minerals and how

Topics will range from medieval medicine to modern climate science.The Science History Institute is pleased to cohost the Fall 2025 meeting of the Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry (SHAC). Invited speakers will present papers for discussion on topics ranging from medieval medicine to modern climate science.The Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry (SHAC), founded in 1935, has a long-standing tradition in the fields of alchemy and chemistry, organizing colloquia, publications and promoting the interdisciplinary study of the field from its early beginnings to the present. It brings together members interested in the history of chemistry

Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History!Since its founding in 1988, the Othmer Library at the Science History Institute has been a haven for research in the history of science—but there's more to the story. Explore the reading room on a guided tour, learn how our collection has grown, and discover why we have one of the most comprehensive rare book collections on chemistry and its alchemical roots.Guests 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

January 2026 Meeting of the Joseph Priestley SocietyHarvesting Earth's internal heat has been practiced since Roman times, but recent interest has grown in geothermal as a reliable, continuous clean power source. Brian Schmidt of Geothermal Rising will overview the industry's history and technological advances. Jill Karpinski and Andy Feick of Swarthmore College will share details about transitioning their campus heating and cooling systems to geo-exchange as a cost-effective climate mitigation strategy with minimal campus disruption.About the SpeakersBrian Schmidt has served as librarian and industry analyst for Geothermal Rising since 2011. Previously, he served in a variety of library and research