Science History Institute

With around 20 scholars in residence each year, the Science History Institute is home to the largest private fellowship program in the historical study of Science, medicine, and technology in the united states. Researchers travel from all over the world to use our collections and take part in a vibrant scholarly community. The beckman center at the Science History Institute offers fellowships on an annual cycle for scholars whose research would benefit from the use of our collections. While in residence, fellows are expected to participate in regular informal writing groups, give at least one lecture, and more generally contribute to the vitality of our fellowship community. The beckman center offers several fellowship types: curatorial fellowships (2 years), postdoctoral research fellowships (12 months), dissertation fellowships (9 months), short-term fellowships (14 months), and distinguished fellowships (4 months). The othmer library offers travel grants for periods of up to two weeks for research and scholarly exploration of our primary materials which include rare and modern books, manuscripts, archival collections, oral histories, fine art, artifacts, and instruments.

In our distillations digital content, we reveal Science's role in a complicated, ever-changing, and often strange world. We are storytellers who tap into the work of historians and other researchers to produce articles, podcasts, and videos that uncover hidden stories and seek new perspectives on Science and technology. With the help of the Science History Institute's unique collections, we chronicle the powerful influence of Science on our past, present, and future.

Science is all around us. It's not just found in the laboratory. It's in the water we drink, the air we breathe, the clothes we wear, and the earth beneath our feet. At our museum, which is free, you can explore the amazing successes, astonishing failures, and strange surprises behind the Science that shapes our world. Our current revolving exhibition is downstream, our award-winning exhibition exploring more than 200 years of water analysis and protection in the united states, and our newly refreshed permanent galleries feature new objects, more inclusive content, and hidden or obscured Science histories. Immerse yourself in stories of discovery, challenge, and change by exploring our digital exhibitions on google arts & culture. Named one of philadelphia's best museums by cond nast traveler and featured on cbsphilly, a visit to the Science History Institute is a journey through the weird and wonderful world of matter and materials. Discover the Science in your life!

Various programs to further the mission of Science History Institute and to foster dialogue on Science and technology in society.