The Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) fosters an understanding of chemistry’s impact on society. An independent nonprofit organization, we strive to

• Inspire a passion for chemistry;
• Highlight chemistry’s role in meeting current social challenges; and
• Preserve the story of chemistry across centuries.

Four program areas support CHF’s mission:

• The Donald F. and Mildred Topp Othmer Library of Chemical History houses major collections of rare and modern books, papers of prominent scientists and organizations, historical photographs, fine art, and scientific instruments that form a valuable resource for studies in the history of chemistry and related sciences. The library features primary sources from the 15th through the 21st centuries.
• The Roy Eddleman Institute for Interpretation and Education, the outreach arm of CHF, brings chemistry to a broad audience through public programs, print and Web-based publications, and educational materials. The institute also operates the Museum at CHF, which explores subjects ranging from alchemy to nanotechnology.
• The Center for Contemporary History and Policy offers historically grounded perspectives on issues related to the molecular sciences and technologies. The center’s programmatic initiatives draw on diverse historical and contemporary source materials to provide knowledge, perspective, and advice to stakeholders from industry, academia, government, and citizen groups.
• The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for the History of Chemistry hosts a community of visiting fellows. These fellows conduct historical research, interact with staff, publish academic and popular works, and establish CHF as a leading research center in the history of chemistry and related sciences, technologies, and industries.

A Brief History of CHF
In 1980 a group of scientists and industry leaders concluded that the time had come to found a history center devoted to the field of chemistry. In 1982 the Center for the History of Chemistry (CHOC) was launched as a pilot project of the University of Pennsylvania and the American Chemical Society (ACS). In 1984 the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) became the third sponsor.

In 1987 the Center was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, named the National Foundation for the History of Chemistry, by joint action of the ACS and AIChE. The Foundation rented space in a new building at the University of Pennsylvania and restructured its activities into those of the Beckman Center for the History of Chemistry (established 1987) and the Othmer Library of Chemical History (established 1988).

In 1992 the Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) assumed its present name to better reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the sciences and industries it serves and the widening public scope of its activities. In 1995 CHF purchased its permanent home, the First National Bank building at the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, and moved into this location a year later. Today CHF enjoys the endorsement and support of more than 30 affiliated organizations.

Events facilities
Hold your next event at the CHF Conference Center