Science History Institute

The Science History Institute is a multifaceted nonprofit organization whose mission is to expand knowledge and challenge perspectives in the history of chemistry, engineering, and the life sciences; to reveal how developments in these fields are embedded in our daily lives; and to catalyze the reimagining of our scientific and technological future.

We believe access to the past empowers individuals to build better futures. As the natural repository for the history of science, the Institute’s museum and Othmer Library make our rapidly expanding collections, archives, and works readily available to the scientifically curious public and scientists alike. Distillations—our articles, podcast, and videos—tell compelling stories at the heart of science and society. Our Center for Oral History and Beckman Center for the History of Chemistry offer exceptional opportunities for academic scholarship. And our conference center is an elegant venue for creating unforgettable occasions.

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.