Records of the American Chemical Society National Historic Chemical Landmarks Program

The American Chemical Society established the National Historic Chemical Landmarks Program (NHCLP) in 1992 as a way of recognizing and honoring people and places that had a significant impact upon chemistry and the molecular sciences. Nominations are accepted and an Ad Hoc Committee meets to discuss and evaluate proposals. Achievements recognized include: Bakelite, Catalytic Cracking, Synthetic Rubber, Tagamet, Nylon, Antibiotics, Polymers, Fullerines and the Beckman pH Meter. Illustrious names so honored include Antoine Lavoisier, Joseph Priestley, Thomas Edison and Herman Staudinger. Since the mid-1990s, there has existed a parallel program to honor international sites of importance to the History of Chemistry.

Before prospective honorees are considered by the Ad Hoc Committee, they must be sponsored by a local ACS section, division, or committee and then approved by the ACS Board Committee on Public Affairs. All designated landmarks are presented an historical marker to the host organization and a commemorative booklet and webpage are published in honor of the achievement. Generally, the Ad Hoc Committee will designate three Landmarks per year.

Sources

Records of the American Chemical Society National Historic Chemical Landmarks Program, Science History Institute Archives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“About the National Historic Chemical Landmarks Program,” American Chemical Society, https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/about.html