Fireworks Tour

What’s the difference between a firecracker and a rocket—and how do they work? Why have fireworks come to represent events as diverse as the Chinese New Year, Italian saint days, ireworks. What’s the difference between a firecracker and a rocket—and how do they work? Why have fireworks come to represent events as diverse as the Chinese New Year, Italian saint days, and the 4th of July? Find out by taking a tour of our Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks exhibition, which explores the fascinating international history of fireworks: from the chemistry of how they go “boom,” the factory laborers who churn them out, and the pyrotechnicians who light the match, to the migrants and business leaders who made them famous, and the innovators lighting up a new future. Our longer tours are designed to offer visitors a comprehensive exploration of artifacts in our collection with unique stories. These tours last approximately 50 minutes and provide a deeper understanding of how science history and the present day are linked. Featured image from Pyrotechnics: The History and Art of Firework Making, 1922. Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History! It’s Nobel Prize Week! Celebrate with us and see what’s behind one of the most coveted science awards. Drop in for a tour highlighting the central role of women in shaping chemistry and the material sciences throughout history. Copy the above HTML to republish this content. We have formatted the material to follow our guidelines, which include our credit requirements. Please review our full list of guidelines for more information. By republishing this content, you agree to our republication requirements.