Despite their fleeting brilliance, fireworks have shaped global celebrations, political spectacle, and scientific innovation for centuries.
Whether you are celebrating the Fourth 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 curator Jesse Smith for a special presentation connected to a new exhibition at the Science History Institute 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 ACS Webinar is moderated by Margot Wohl of the American Chemical Society and co-produced with the Science History Institute. As part of ACS' ongoing celebration of our 150th anniversary, this month we celebrate chemistry’s transformative contributions to science and society. Join the jamboree at www.acs.org/150.
Presenter Slide Deck
Follow along, take notes, and review important details with this PDF handout of the slides.
"LabNotes" Webinar Summary
Read a short summary distilling this webinar's core concepts.
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
Additional Resources
- Flash! Bang! Boom! - The Science History Institute's sparkling new exhibition that explore the origins of and the science behind fireworks.
Co-Produced With
What an attendee said about this ACS Webinar!
Great presentation and very informative. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and now with my chemistry background, I can share my appreciation of fireworks with family and friends.
BECAUSE PEOPLE
LIKE YOU CREATE
GREAT CHEMISTRY
You Belong Here
