History of Chemistry - Chemical Heritage Foundation

The Chemical Heritage Foundation is a library, museum, and center for scholars. Located in Philadelphia, CHF maintains world-class collections, including instruments and apparatus, rare books, fine art, and the personal papers of prominent scientists, all related to chemistry and related sciences.

CHF also hosts conferences and lectures, supports research, offers fellowships, and produces educational materials. Our programs and publications provide insight on subjects ranging from the social impact of nanotechnology to alchemy’s influence on modern science.

Come to our museum!

Learn more about our exhibits and collections.

Plan your visit: check hours, get directions, and schedule tours.

Quick links

	Visitor information

	Library catalog

	Classroom resources

Upcoming events

	First Friday at CHF: "Make Your Own Batteries," 3 July

	Science on Tap: 8 July

	International Society for the Philosophy of Chemistry Summer Symposium: 13-15 August

	See our full events calendar.

Research opportunities

	Pew oral history fellowships: Apply by 15 August.

CHF Conference Center

	Host your next event at one of the finest meeting facilities in Philadelphia. Find out more.

	Chemical Heritage CHF's newsmagazine Spring 2009 • Chemical Criminals • History of pasteurization • Plants in motion		Distillations CHF's podcast Locus chemicus: brownfields, the University of Oregon, and other 'chemical' places. Listen to the podcast.

	Policy Center for Contemporary History and Policy Leading initiatives in biotech, electronics, the environment, innovation, nanotech, and pharmaceuticals.		Give to CHF Save chemistry's heritage The mission of the Chemical Heritage Foundation is unique: we tell the story of chemistry to the world. Donate today.

	Featured books Musical notes Music appears frequently in books from the baroque period, some of which are now in the Othmer Library. Explore the books.		Multimedia Video • The Museum at CHF Blogs • NEW! Ship of Fellows • The Center • Periodic Tabloid

Let's meet!