American Chemical Society presents Webinar: Flash! Bang! Boom!
Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 1:30pm-3pm

Despite their fleeting brilliance, fireworks have shaped global celebrations, political spectacle, and scientific innovation for centuries.

Whether you are celebrating the 4th of July with fireworks or simply watching from afar, pyrotechnics offer a fascinating window into world history, culture, and the evolution of science and technology itself. Join the Science History Institute’s Jesse Smith for a special presentation on Flash! Bang! Boom!, our new exhibition exploring the remarkable history of fireworks. From royal weddings and Olympic ceremonies to military victories, national holidays, and public festivals, discover how fireworks have illuminated humanity’s biggest moments across time and around the globe.
This FREE webinar is a co-production between the Institute and the American Chemical Society (ACS), which is celebrating chemistry’s transformative contributions to science and society this month as part of its ongoing 150th anniversary celebration. Join the jamboree at acs.org/150.
What You Will Learn
The origins and global history of fireworks, from ancient innovations to modern spectacles
How science and technology evolve over time and the surprising ways they remain connected to the past
The challenges and opportunities of communicating the history of science to broad, non-specialist audiences

Register to attend the webinar:
https://www.acs.org/acs-webinars/library/history-of-fireworks.html
To register, you must set up an account with the American Chemical Society at this link.

at the Science History Institute, Discover the explosive history of fireworks!
Exhibit on view through July 31, 2027
Hach Gallery

Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks 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. This sparkling new exhibition is our contribution to America’s nationwide celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
With objects ranging from historic rare books and fine art, to consumer catalogs and the latest pyrotechnic technologies, Flash! Bang! Boom! will allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of centuries of knowledge among pyrotechnical makers. On display in our museum, located just blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Old City Philadelphia, this exhibition will have high visibility and be a unique contribution to our nation’s birthday celebrations.