For current dates of programs & events, check the calendar of events or see below for additional information.

Open Houses

The Apothecary is open several times a year for free or reduced admission. In honor of National Pharmacy Month, the Museum hosts a free open house in October. The Museum also offers free tours the afternoon of President’s Day. On Mother’s and Father’s Day, the honored parent tours free.

Geek Tours

If a 30 minute tour isn’t enough, one of the museum’s geek tours will be perfect.  Featuring rotating themes, the tour is led by an expert guide and spends more time in the historic retail shop and laboratory of the old apothecary.  Cost is $15 per person and tour is generally recommended for adults only due to the tour length. Purchase tickets through the  online store. 

Potions and Lotions

Groups can book a special one-hour program that includes a tour of the museum and the making and packaging individual vials of hand lotion.  Topics can be tailored to the interest or area of study of the group.  Cost is $10 per participant, regular group tour rate applies to additional chaperones.  Minimum charge of $60 during regular hours and $100 outside of regular hours.  Special rate for scout groups, schools, and day camps: $6 per participant and $3 per additional chaperones. Minimum of $30 during regular hours and $100 for outside hours. Please  contact the Curator of Education to book this program. 

The Real Science Behind Harry Potter

Every year, in honor of Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling’s birthday on July 31, the Museum hosts special tours exploring the real world of science and medicine behind the books.  Find out if dragon’s blood and mandrake root are real and bring a camera for great photo opportunities. 

Mad Science!

What do super heroes, crazy animals, and explosions have in common?  A mad scientist probably made them!  In these 45 minute tours, explore where real science and mad science collides.  The tour features historic medicines with surprising side effects.  Upstairs, groups meet the Museum’s very own mad scientist bringing to life some hands-on experiments and the science behind them.  Cost is $6 per person ages 5 and up.  Girl Scout and Boy Scout groups welcome (program almost completes the Brownie Home Scientist badge).  Purchase tickets through the  online store.  

Behind the Counter Tours

Want to see parts of the Museum most people never do? Always wanted to go behind the barriers? This tour is for you! Adult groups of up to eight people can book a 1.5 hour Behind the Counter tour of the Apothecary, which allows you to go behind the barriers and take an in-depth look at the Apothecary and objects usually not on display. Cost is $15 per person, with a maximum of eight people; minimum charge of $80. Reservations are required and should be booked at least one month in advance. Please  contact the Curator of Education to book your tour.

Children’s Birthday Parties

Take the stress out of planning a birthday party—appropriate for children ages eight and older, Apothecary Museum birthday parties are a unique way to combine science and history with plenty of fun! The kids become apothecary apprentices as they learn the basics of making and marketing their own brand of medicine. The party includes each child mixing a special “potion” to take home. Kids who love Harry Potter can also choose the “magical” birthday party, which highlights ingredients found in the Harry Potter series.  The 1.5 hour parties include a museum teacher, engaging tour of the museum, activities, and all the supplies to make your party a success. All parents have to worry about is bringing a birthday cake and the kids! Cost is $250 for 10 children, $15 per additional child (maximum of 15 total). Purchase goody bags for an additional $3.50 each. Please contact the Curator of Education to schedule your party.