Science History Institute
Mission
The Science History Institute collects and shares the stories of innovators and of discoveries that shape our lives with a focus on preserving and interpreting the history of chemistry, chemical engineering, and the life sciences. The Institute houses an archive and a library for historians and researchers; a fellowship program for visiting scholars from around the globe; a community of researchers who examine historical and contemporary issues; an award-winning digital content platform that includes videos, articles, and a podcast; an acclaimed museum that is free and open to the public; and a state-of-the-art conference center.
Ruling year
1987
President & CEO
David Cole
Main address
315 CHESTNUT ST
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA
Formerly known as
Center for the History of Chemistry
Chemical Heritage Foundation
The Life Sciences Foundation
EIN
22-2817365
NTEE code
Arts, Cultural Organizations - Multipurpose (A20)
IRS filing requirement
This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Sign in or create an account to view Form(s) 990 for 2021, 2021 and 2020.
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Communication
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
The Donald F. and Mildred Topp Othmer Library of Chemical History
The 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 to be given for the creation of a library that would work to preserve the history of the chemical sciences. The library now houses more than 140,000 print volumes, rare books and manuscripts, archival materials, and historical photographs. Together these collections—spanning nearly six miles of shelves—form an unrivaled resource for the history of chemistry and related sciences, technologies, and industries.
Located in Philadelphia, the library is open to researchers by appointment.
Center for Oral History
The Center for Oral History at the Science History Institute develops and curates a growing collection of comprehensive, professionally conducted oral history interviews.
Our mission is to ensure that current and future scholars and interested individuals are able to understand science, medicine, and technology from the perspective of those who participated in them, as recorded in their own words.
The Center for Oral History serves as a significant force in contributing to the history of the sciences in the 20th and 21st centuries. We have collected hundreds of oral histories about science, scientists, and scientific practices.
Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for the History of Chemistry
The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for the History of Chemistry comprises a dynamic community of scholars interested in the history and social studies of chemistry, broadly construed. It is also home to associated academic activities, including a public lecture series, weekly lunchtime talk series, writing group, book series, and network of over 250 alumni.
Museum
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, you can explore the amazing successes, astonishing failures, and strange surprises behind the science that shapes our world.
Be sure to check out 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 featuring 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 Condé 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!
Public Programming
The Science History Institute produces a wide range of virtual and in-person events aimed at students, educators, scientific professionals, scholars, science history lovers, and the intellectually curious.
Where we work
External reviews
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
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Science History Institute
Board of directorsas of 01/27/2023
Lewis Gasorek
Listowel, Inc.
Term: 2021 -
Board leadership practices
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Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
Disability
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