A Marvelous Night of Minerals: An ‘Earthly Matters’ Opening Celebration

Across centuries and cultures, minerals have provided humans with essential raw materials. But how have we come to know and use the natural world?

Join the Science History Institute as we celebrate the opening of , our new permanent exhibition that explores the history and science behind a collection of more than 20 minerals. These elements, crystals, gemstones—and even a meteorite!—tell stories of human curiosity about the natural world around us. Visitors will learn about the long history of minerals and how humans have studied and categorized them for thousands of years.

Plus, we’ll be celebrating the completion of our lobby renovation and the opening of our brand-new gift shop with a ribbon cutting!

• a behind-the-scenes look at Earthly Matters with curator Michelle DiMeo and exhibition developer Jesse Smith
• rare books from our library collection
• mineral specimens that you can touch
• alchemical recipe recreations with our fellows
• featured items for sale in our new gift shop
• light bites and a signature rock candy cocktail

Earthly Matters is presented in loving memory of Margaret & Moshe Alafi through the generosity of Alafi Capital and Bering Capital.

Featured images: pink apatite specimen under ultraviolet light

Host or Publisher Science History Institute