Mission and Program Areas
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 and its technologies and industries 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.