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HomeEventsSOLD OUT PHL (P) - A History of Fireworks, Science History Museum, Wed Aug 12 at 10:30am

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SOLD OUT PHL (P) - A History of Fireworks, Science History Museum, Wed Aug 12 at 10:30am

About this event


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Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks

Science History Institute

315 Chestnut Street, Phila  19106

Wednesday, August 12 at 10:30 am

WC members:  $8     Non-members:  $15

Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks is the Science History Institute's new exhibition that explores the origins of fireworks and the science behind them - from the way they are made, designed, and tested, to how they are sold and ultimately launched into the sky. 

What’s the difference between a firecracker and a rocket - and how do they work? Why have they come to represent events as diverse as the Chinese New Year, Italian saints’ days, and the 4th of July?  This exhibit explores the fascinating international story of fireworks: the chemistry of how they go boom, the factory laborers who churn them out, the pyrotechnicians who light the match, the migrants and business leaders who made them famous, and the innovators lighting up a new future.

Fireworks are exciting and ephemeral, viewed by most from a distance. Flash! Bang! Boom! offers visitors an up-close look at not only the history and evolution of these pyrotechnic devices, but also at what has remained the same for more than a thousand years. The exhibition begins by zooming out to show their global origins, and then zooms in to reveal how the fireworks industry developed here in the United States with a story of innovation, immigration, chemistry, and celebration.

 

Our private guide will navigate us through the cross-cultural history of fireworks and discover details they don’t usually get to see, from rare books that share early designs and origin stories, to the inside of a firework and the colorful chemistry of a festive display. Flash! Bang! Boom! explores all the steps involved in getting to the final explosion in the sky through five themes: making, designing, testing, selling, and launching.

Please note that the cancellation deadline is 8/5/26.  Should you need to cancel before this date, credit will be issued to your WC account, to be used for future purchases.

Also note that by registering for this event you will be granting your permission to have your image in photos used for Women's Connection publicity purposes.  Please notify the event organizer should you prefer not to be included.


Date and Time

Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 10:30 AM until 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) (UTC-05:00)

Location

Science History Insitute
315 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA  19106
USA
(215) 925-2222

Event Contact(s)

Jean E Brubaker
Leader

Category

Chapter

Registration Info

Registration has closed - Event is past
Payment In Full In Advance Only
Cancellation Policy:
If you are a member and cancel your registration before the specified deadline, you will receive a full refund as a credit to your account. You can use the credit to pay for another event or put it toward your annual dues payment. Non-members will receive a refund on their credit card, minus a $4 processing fee.

No refunds are available to members or non-members after the cancellation deadline.
     

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