AIHP News Archives - American Institute of the History of Pharmacy

Upcoming AIHP & Consortium for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine Pharmacy History Working Group Meetings

AIHP is pleased to announce the Pharmacy History Working Group in collaboration with the Consortium for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine. The Pharmacy History Working Group is a space for exploring how pharmacy has shaped and been shaped by science, society, and culture across time and around the world. From ancient materia medica […]

Detailing and the Origins of DTCA

From the 1930s to the 1980s, ads for drugs were aimed almost exclusively at pharmacists and physicians. Typically, advertising was conducted in one of two ways: ads were placed in magazines directed at pharmacists or they were sold in-person by pharmaceutical marketing representatives, commonly known as detailers or detailmen. Detailers were (and still are) a […]

Sulfanilamide and the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

In the fall of 1937, over 100 people died from consuming an antibiotic called “elixir of sulfanilamide”. This prompted a protracted scandal which would implicate drug manufacturers, pharmacists, and the federal government, eventually resulting in a fundamental shift in how drugs were regulated in the United States. Although it was discovered in 1908, sulfanilamide did […]

AIHP Accepting Applications for 2026 AIHP PhD & PharmD Research Fellowships

Since 1941, the American Institute of the History of Pharmacy has been a global leader in pharmacy history, pursuing a mission of “advancing knowledge and understanding the history of pharmacy and medicines,” while informing educatin, research, policy, and public discourse. In 2026, AIHP will sponsor two PhD or PharmD candidates for onsite research visits to […]

AIHP Annual Business Meeting Set for November 6th

Mark your calendars! AIHP’s Annual Business Meeting is scheduled for: Thursday, November 6, 2025 3:00 pm Central/4:00 pm Eastern. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. Please register here, registration is required.Agenda Your attendance is needed! The Nominations Committee will present a slate of nominees to fill upcoming vacancies on the Board of Directors. […]

AIHP Announces 2026 Slate of Board Nominees

AIHP’s Nominations Committee has announced the nominees for positions on the Institute’s Board of Directors for 2026. This year, three candidates are running for three open positions, each a three-year term. The Committee has nominated Dr. Nancy Alvarez, PharmD, BCPS, FAPhA, CPCC to stand for election as Vice President (a position currently she currently holds and […]

AIHP Intern Celebration

AIHP is excited to invite you to a special, members-only, virtual event highlighting the incredible work of our summer interns! Over the past few months, these talented students have contributed to projects that help illuminate different chapters in the history of pharmacy. Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm CDTLocation: Online, register for […]

Drug Advertising pre and post Pure Food and Drug Act

Throughout 1905 and 1906, the American magazine Collier’s published a series of articles by journalist Samuel A. Hopkins exposing the “fraud and poison” of the American pharmaceutical industry. One practice that drew Adams’ particular ire was the manufacture and sale of patent medicines–that is, medicines sold under brand names that were freely available without the […]

AIHP Member Information & Feedback Session

You’re invited to connect with AIHP leadership on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 11:00 am Central for a special virtual event. We’ll highlight the Institute’s key accomplishments over the past year and share exciting plans for the year ahead. We value your insights and look forward to your feedback—let’s shape the future of AIHP together! […]

Announcing the Formation of the Pharmacy History Working Group

We are excited to announce the launch of the Pharmacy History Working Group, hosted by the Consortium for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine! For several years, AIHP has been a member of CHSTM and this year it has taken the next step to co-create a new working group. The group offers a vibrant […]

August Flooding Incident and Collections Intake Update

We wanted to share an update regarding the flooding incident that occurred August. We’re relieved to report that everything that got wet has been successfully dried out, and, fortunately, no irreplaceable materials were lost. Repairs are underway: the drywall will be repaired and replaced, and carpeting in the library and a staff office will be […]

A Message from the AIHP Director and President

Dear friends, On August 10, the American Institute of the History of Pharmacy experienced a flooding incident at our offices, archives, and library in Madison, Wisconsin. This disaster has disrupted our operations and damaged certain irreplaceable historical materials, threatening our ability to preserve and share the rich legacy of pharmacy and pharmaceuticals. Founded in 1941, […]

AIHP Flooding Incident

Early on Sunday, August 10, heavy rains across southern Wisconsin caused flooding in the AIHP offices, archives, and library and between one and a half and three inches of water entered our spaces. Thankfully, the water was discovered quickly, and by 8:30 a.m., staff were on-site working to protect materials and mitigate damage. As we […]

Remembering Robert A. Buerki

It is with deep regret that the American Institute of the History of Pharmacy acknowledges the passing of Dr. Robert A. Buerki (1939-2025). Over the past half century, no member has contributed more to the Institute or the field of the pharmacy history in the United States. Through the generous financial support of Robert and […]

The Historical Pharmacopeias Project: A New Era in Pharmacy History

We are excited to highlight the Historical Pharmacopeias project, a groundbreaking initiative featured in the article “A ‘Big Tent’ for the History of Pharmacy” in the newest issue of History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals (HoPP). The Historical Pharmacopeias project, spearheaded by Mackenzie Cooley (Hamilton College), Daniel Smail (Harvard University), and Gabriel Pizzorno (Harvard University), is […]

AIHP Issues a Certificate of Commendation

AIHP is pleased to announce that it has awarded a Certificate of Commendation to the Ferdinand Historical Society for their work on the historical marker for Ida P. (Hagan) Whitaker. In 1909 at age 20, Ida P. Whitaker was Indiana’s first documented African-American Female Pharmacist to receive her pharmacy license. The Institute’s Certificate of Commendation program recognizes projects […]

AIHP Welcomes New Interns

We’re thrilled to welcome three outstanding interns to the American Institute of the History of Pharmacy this summer! Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Kaitlyn Cimenian, Benjamin Johnson, and Mihini Gamamadagedon who will be supporting our mission to preserve and promote the history of pharmacy this summer. Kaitlyn is a third-semester Capstone […]

Meet AIHP New Intern Mihini Gamamadagedon

At AIHP, we believe that our people are what make us truly special. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to one of the amazing individuals who gives their time and talent to the Institute. Meet Mihini Gamamadagedon, one of our three summer interns. Mihini is an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin – Madison […]

Meet AIHP New Intern Ben Johnson

At AIHP, we believe that our people are what make us truly special. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to one of the amazing individuals who gives their time and talent to the Institute. Meet Benjamin Michael Johnson, one of our three summer interns. Hailing from Dodgeville, WI, Benjamin is an undergraduate senior at the […]

Meet AIHP New Intern Kaitlyn Cimenian

At AIHP, we believe that our people are what make us truly special. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to one of the amazing individuals who gives their time and talent to the Institute. Meet Kaitlyn Cimenian, one of our three summer interns. Coming to AIHP from New England, Kaitlyn is a third-semester Capstone student […]

Meet AIHP Staffer Brontë Jensen

At AIHP, we believe that our people are what make us truly special. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to the amazing individual who most recently joined our team. Meet Brontë Jensen, our Development Officer, whose dedication, positivity, and unique talents make a big impact every day. After serving as AIHP’s Development & Advancement Intern […]

Meet AIHP Staffer Elizabeth Preboski

At AIHP, we believe that our people are what make us truly special. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to one of the amazing individuals who help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Meet Elizabeth Preboski, our Archives Assistant and Editorial Assistant for the History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals (HoPP) Journal, whose dedication, positivity, […]

William A. Zellmer Receives AIHP Robert P. Fischelis Award

The American Institute of the History of Pharmacy is proud to announce that the 2025 Robert P. Fischelis Award has been conferred upon Bill Zellmer, BSPharm, MPH, DSc(hon), DHL(hon), FFIP, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of pharmacy history and enduring support of the Institute. Established in memory of Robert P. Fischelis […]

A New Collection is Available Online!

We are pleased to announce that artifacts from the Michael Madalon Artifact Collection are now available online! This collection consists of pharmaceutical promotional materials, the first portion of digitized items from this collection are pocket protectors but the collection includes mugs, notepads, clips, rulers, and more. This item, a white from Syntex states, “Rx: ❤️ […]

Announcement: Lucinda Maine, AIHP Director, elected to USP Board!

We are very pleased and proud to announce that Lucinda Maine, PhD, AIHP Board of Directors member, has been elected to the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) Board of Trustees for the 2025-2030 cycle. Lucinda Maine, Ph.D., R.Ph., FAPhA, FFIP, is the CEO Emerita of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Dr. Maine served as […]

New Interview: Exploring Burnout and Fatigue in the Pharmacy Community

We’re excited to share this compelling interview of Dr. Jason Perepelkin, Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, about his important research into burnout, fatigue, and mental health in the pharmacy profession by Dr. Lucas Richert for Psychology Today. In this interview, Dr. Perepelkin discusses what inspired his work, key findings from his recent studies, […]

AIHP Executive Director Talks with DiscoveRx about Digital Collection

Earlier this spring, AIHP’s Executive Director, Luc Richert, sat down with Logan Underwood, writer for DiscoveRx, the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy’s newsletter, to talk about the National Endowment for the Humanities Grant awarded to the School of Pharmacy. The grant funded the digitization of archival materials and artifacts from the jointly-held collection of […]

June 11: Stuart Anderson

The AIHP Pharmacy & Society Speaker Series presents: Stuart Anderson Influence and Cooperation: How British and US Pharmacopoeias shaped each other, 1720-1990Wednesday, June 11, 202512:00 pm CDT View the recording of this presentation on our YouTube channel. When work began on the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) in 1864, the chairman of the USP Committee of Revision, […]

Call for Nominations for the AIHP Robert P. Fischelis Award

The American Institute for the History of Pharmacy is now accepting nominations for the AIHP Robert P. Fischelis Award. The AIHP Robert P. Fischelis Award is conferred annually by AIHP’s Board of Directors to a person or organization whose work and actions have made significant and important contributions to the field of the history of pharmacy […]

Announcement – PhD Studentship on the History of Pharmacy, Psychoactive Substances, and Pharmaceuticals at UW-Madison

The UW-Madison School of Pharmacy, a long-time and proud partner of AIHP, is pleased to invite applications for a fully funded PhD studentship on the History of Pharmacy, Psychoactive Substances, and Pharmaceuticals in any period between 1700 and the present to start on 15 September 2025. This studentship provides four years of full-time funding, including […]

AIHP Staff Picks Favorites

Don’t worry, we’re not picking favorite members, only favorite items from our digitized collection. We’d never pick only one favorite member, because all of our members are our favorites! This is a compilation of posts we created for our social media campaign on Instagram (pharmacyhistory) and Facebook called #Staff Favorite Friday. These were posted January […]

Director Perspectives – History Buff?

History Buff? I remember an interview with a Baltimore resident who had restored a ‘ghost sign’ on the side of an historic brick building in Fells Point. These faded murals served as billboards for a variety of products, businesses, and causes. The person mentioned the “Vote Against Prohibition” sign and spoke of himself as a […]

Job Opportunity – The AIHP is Looking for a Development Officer

The American Institute of the History of Pharmacy is searching for a fundraiser to assist us in the months and years ahead! JOB SUMMARY: The Development Officer (50% FTE) is responsible for supporting, developing, and executing fundraising initiatives and programs to help achieve AIHP’s overall mission and goals. This position reports to the Executive Director […]

Call for Papers – Cannabis: Global Histories

Cannabis: Global Histories Network CfP“Cannabis in Flux: Markets, Medicines, and Movements”October 23-24, 2025. University of Wisconsin – Madison Building on the foundation of Cannabis: Global Histories (The MIT Press, 2021), the CfP for this event aims to deepen historical analysis of cannabis even further by examining its medical, commercial, legal, and cultural trajectories across different […]

A Note From the Executive Director

The AIHP Executive Director, Lucas Richert, has shared some thoughts on LinkedIn about AIHP and we are sharing them here for you. Follow Luc as he reflects on his and the institute’s journey in this and future posts. I’m a Professor at UW-Madison, and I occupy a funny spot as a historian in a school of pharmacy. But I also serve as […]

April 8 & 9: Dr. Jason Perepelkin Presents

AIHP Pharmacy & Society Speaker SeriesPharmacy Fatigue & Burnout with Dr. Jason PerepelkinTuesday, April 8th 4:00 pm Central Along with expanding the scope-of-practice for pharmacists comes increased responsibilities. While most pharmacists welcome the opportunity to practice in a more clinical manner, the traditional demands of practice remain. As a result, pharmacists are expected to do […]

Call for Nominations for the George Urdang Medal

The American Institute for the History of Pharmacy is now accepting nominations for the George Urdang Medal. The deadline for receipt of nominations is June 1, 2025. The George Urdang Medal recognizes the lifetime achievements of a person who, over a sustained period, has made important scholarly contributions to the field of the history of pharmacy […]

Congratulations to Patti Kienle, AIHP Director, on Receiving the William Procter Jr. Award!🎉

We are thrilled to share that Patti Kienle has been honored with the William Procter Jr. Award from her alma mater, Saint Joseph’s University Philadelphia College of Pharmacy! This prestigious award recognizes alumni who embody the entrepreneurial spirit of the College’s founding fathers and have made outstanding contributions to the profession. Congratulations, Patti! 🎉 🔗 […]

Pharmacist Ella P. Stewart’s Scrapbooks Now Available Through JSTOR

Discover the remarkable life of Ella P. Stewart, a pioneering African American pharmacist and civil rights leader, through the recently featured JSTOR Daily article, “Toledo’s Most Singular Pharmacist.” Stewart, the first Black female graduate of the University of Pittsburgh pharmacy school documented her life in a series of scrapbooks. These scrapbooks now make up the […]

AIHP Welcomes New Administrative Assistant

AIHP is excited to introduce our new Administrative Assistant, Aiswarya Vijaya Kumar! She will be helping with the mailings, the website, and collections work, to name a few of her responsibilities. Aiswarya is currently a graduate student at University of Wisconsin Madison studying Computer Science. Get to Know Us: An Interview with Aiswarya Vijaya Kumar What […]

History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals (HoPP) Open House with HoPP Editorial Board Members

History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals (HoPP) Open House with HoPP Editorial Board MembersThursday, March 13th 11:00 am CentralLearn about the journal and what editors are looking for in a submitted article.This is a members-only event, and registration is required.

April 24 : Dr. Christiane Staiger

Join AIHP and Dr. Christiane Staiger for her presentation: “How is pharmacy reflected in popular music? Examples from a pharmaceutical playlist.” April 24th, 202512:00 pm, Noon (Central Daylight Time)Check out the pharmaceutical playlist here and watch the recording on our YouTube Channel. Many pieces of popular music are related to pharmacy, medicines or the drug […]

March 6: Artifacts Roadshow

Artifacts Roadshow Dr. Gregory HigbyThursday, March 6th12:00 pm (noon) Central Join Dr. Higby as he talks about pharmacy artifacts! This is a members-only event, and registration is required, check your email for the link or contact us at aihp@aihp.org.

February 20th: Kremers Award Lecture

Kremers Award Lecture How Empire Turned People into PatientsDr. Zachary DornerThursday, February 20th12:00 (noon) Central The period from the late seventeenth to the early nineteenth century—the so-called long eighteenth century of British history—was a time of profound global change, marked by the expansion of intercontinental empires, long-distance trade, and human enslavement. It was also the […]

Lunch and Learn: New Digital Collections of the Edward Kremers Research Library and Archive

Lunch and Learn: A Guided Tour through the New Digital Collections of the Edward Kremers Research Library and ArchiveThursday, February 13th12:00 (noon) Central Join University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy archivist Hannah Swan for a deep dive into the new digital collections of the Edward Kremers Research Library and Archive! Launched on January 22nd, the […]

2024 End-of-Year Gift-Giving Campaign

The AIHP finalized its 2024 end-of-year gift-giving campaign in late December! All of the staff and the AIHP Board of Directors wish to heartily thank those members and friends who supported the campaign with their generosity. In total, the AIHP raised over $6500 to help kickstart our capital campaign, enhance our collections, and connect and […]

AIHP Launches Digital Collections!

The American Institute of the History of Pharmacy, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, is thrilled to announce the launch of our new digital library, The Digital Collections of the Edward Kremers Research Library and Archive! The digital collections include a wide range of print materials, manuscripts, and artifacts from the […]

Technical Difficulties – Email Update!

If you have tried to email AIHP over the past few weeks, you may have had your email returned! We have been experiencing technical difficulties but are happy to report that all email services are now back online. If you emailed AIHP during the period from December 25th to January 7th, please resend your message! […]

CPO Oral Histories: Highlighting the Legacy of Clinical Pharmacy Leaders

The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) have recently spotlighted a powerful collection of oral histories from our collection that celebrate the impact and legacy of U.S. Public Health Service Chief Pharmacy Officers (CPOs) in the healthcare field. The U.S. Public Health Service Chief Pharmacist Officers […]

2024 AIHP Year in Review

As we close another year, it is a time to reflect on our collective accomplishments, and the continued importance of preserving the rich history of pharmacy. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support and dedication to the Institute’s mission to explore, document, and celebrate the pivotal role of pharmacy in healthcare and society. Highlights […]

Remembering John Parascandola

It is with great sadness that the Institute acknowledges the death of John Parascandola (1941-2024). For more than a half century, John contributed his time, expertise, and enthusiasm to the field of the history of pharmacy. Soon after receiving his PhD in the History of Science in 1968, John joined the faculty at the University […]

AIHP announces results of this year’s Board of Directors election and bylaws vote.

AIHP is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Board of Directors election. Dr. Cynthia Boyle has been elected to serve a three-year term as President. Dr. John Grabenstein, Susan Cantrell, and Ben Urick, have been elected to serve three-year terms as Directors. AIHP thanks Directors Boyle, Grabenstein, Cantrell, and Urick for joining the […]

Don’t forget to vote in the board elections and for the bylaws changes!

The 2024 AIHP Annual Business Meeting occured on Thursday, November 14th, 2024, at 2:00 pm Central time. At this meeting, AIHP leadership presented proposed bylaw changes and the AIHP Nominations Committee presented its slate of nominees to fill upcoming vacancies on the Institute’s Board of Directors. To find more information about the current bylaws, go […]

AIHP Member Information & Feedback Session

Please join AIHP leadership on October 21, 2024, at 11:00 am Central time to learn about what’s going on at the Institute. We’ll share our accomplishments for the past year and what’s to come in the year ahead, and we look forward to hearing feedback from you! Registration for the meeting is closed.AIHP Member Information […]

Madison Drug History Workshop

The Madison Drug History Workshop, scheduled for October 3-4, 2024, at UW-Madison’s School of Pharmacy, focuses on critical discussions of chemicals, intoxicants, and medicines. Workshop Agenda The workshop addresses the intersections of medicine, intoxicants, and policy, particularly regarding substances like cannabis, psychedelics, and opioids. Topics of discussion include the reclassification and regulation of cannabis and […]

Launching the AIHP’s Gift-Giving Initiative for 2024

The AIHP has begun its end-of-year gift-giving campaign to bring an end to 2024! All of the staff and the AIHP Board of Directors wish to heartily thank those members and friends who have supported the campaign with their generosity in the past and are considering the AIHP again. Last year, as part of the […]

Dr. Zachary Dorner Receives 2024 Kremers Award

AIHP is pleased to announce that the 2024 Edward Kremers Award has been awarded to Zachary Dorner, Ph.D. for his book, Merchants of Medicines The Commerce and Coercion of Health in Britain’s Long Eighteenth Century (University of Chicago Press, 2020). AIHP awards the Edward Kremers Award biennially to recognize the author(s) of a book, or a series of […]

Raise a Toast to the Managing Editor of HoPP

9/16/2024 — AIHP Release History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals, the AIHP’s flagship journal, is a team effort and requires a steady hand on the tiller. One of the key members of that team is Dr. Jamie Banks, HoPP’s Managing Editor. The AIHP is thrilled to announce the recent success of Dr. Banks, who has just […]

Nominees for AIHP’s Board of Directors Announced

Friday, September 13, 2024 AIHP’s Nominations Committee has announced the nominees for positions on the Institute’s Board of Directors. AIHP’s Board of Directors includes five officers (three of whom are elected), three elected directors, two ex officio directors, and up to three Board-appointed directors. This year, four candidates are running for four open positions. The Committee has nominated Dr. […]

AIHP Welcomes New Intern!

AIHP is excited to introduce our new intern, Bronte Jensen! Bronte is a valuable member of the AIHP Capital Campaign team, working with Executive Director Lucas Richert and Digitization Collections Specialist, Kristen Huset. Bronte will be looking over literature reviews, conducting research, and assisting in designing a new social media branding. Bronte is currently a senior […]

AIHP JOURNAL ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY PHARMACY SPECIAL ISSUE

Call for Papers: “Within and Beyond the Pharmacy as Corner Store” Madison, WI – The History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals (HoPP) is pleased to announce a call for papers for a special issue titled “Within and Beyond the Pharmacy as Corner Store.” This issue seeks to explore the multifaceted roles of community pharmacies both in […]

The 2024 Kreminar focuses on Community Pharmacy

AIHP invites all members to join for a week of free webinars on Community Pharmacy for this year’s Kreminar series. This week of lectures starts Tuesday, May 28, and goes through Friday, May 31, featuring AIHP Executive Director and UW-Madison School of Pharmacy Urdang Chair Dr. Lucas Richert, University of Illinois Chicago’s Dr. Taylor Watterson, […]

A Heartfelt Happy Valentine’s Day from AIHP

Happy Valentine’s Day from the AIHP! As a special membership perk, AIHP has created some bespoke AIHP valentines for members to give to their colleagues, co-workers, or that special someone. All of the images used on the valentines come directly from the archival collections of the Institute. This is just one example of the many Valentine’s […]

2023 AIHP Gift-Giving Campaign

The AIHP finalized its 2023 end of year gift giving campaign in late December! All of the staff and the AIHP Board of Directors wish to heartily thank those members and friends who supported the campaign with their generosity. In total, the AIHP raised over $6000 to support the AIHP Collections. Again, we want to […]

AIHP Executive Director Talks Medical Cannabis with WPR

The AIHP Executive Director joined Wisconsin Public Radio for the morning show to discuss proposed medical cannabis legislation on January 11, 2024. Richert spoke on the details of the proposed bill as well as some of the history of medical cannabis in the United States. You can listen here to learn more. For additional information […]

AIHP Board of Directors Election Results

AIHP is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Board of Directors election. Dr. Nancy Alvarez has been elected to serve a three-year term as Secretary. Lucinda L. Maine, Ph.D., R.Ph., FAPhA, FFIP, and Nimesh Jhaveri, R.Ph, have been elected to serve three-year terms as Directors. AIHP thanks Directors Alvarez, Maine, and Jhaveri for […]

AIHP Resurrects the “Booth”

For the first time in over a decade, the AIHP recently tabled at a conference. On November 1 and 2, 2023, the AIHP held an exhibit at the UW-Madison Psychedelic Symposium. It was lovely to take AIHP to the masses and resurrect the tradition of holding booths at conferences. Over the decades and year, AIHP […]

Nominees for AIHP’s Board of Directors Announced

AIHP’s Nominations Committee has announced the nominees for positions on the Institute’s Board of Directors. AIHP’s Board of Directors includes five officers (three of whom are elected), three elected directors, two ex officio directors, and up to three Board-appointed directors. This year, three candidates are running for three open positions. The Committee has nominated Dr. Nancy Alvarez to stand for […]

Announcing the 2023 George Urdang Medal

AIHP Historical Director Lucas Richert, PhD, today announced that Dr. Alain Touwaide has been selected to receive the 2023 George Urdang Medal, AIHP’s most prestigious award. AIHP awards the George Urdang Medal biennially to recognize the lifetime achievements of a person who, over a sustained period, has made important scholarly contributions to the field of […]

Welcome Kristen Huset – Our New Digitization Collections Specialist!

The AIHP staff in Madison are thrilled to announce a valuable addition to our team. Kristen Huset has joined AIHP as our new Digitization Collections Specialist, and we couldn’t be more excited. Kristen brings a wealth of experience and expertise in digitizing historical collections, preserving valuable artifacts, and making our cultural heritage accessible in the […]

2023 AIHP Glenn Sonnedecker Prize Awarded

The American Institute of the History of Pharmacy is pleased to announce that the 2023 AIHP Glenn Sonnedecker Prize has been awarded to Wesley Sparkmon, PhD, MPH. The Sonnedecker Prize is awarded for the best unpublished manuscript submitted in an annual competition on a topic within the field of the history of pharmacy and pharmaceuticals. […]

John Parascandola Receives AIHP Robert P. Fischelis Award

The Institute’s Board of Directors has awarded the 2023 AIHP Robert P. Fischelis Award to longtime AIHP member John Parascandola, PhD, for his extraordinary contributions to the Institute and the field of pharmacy history. The Robert P. Fischelis Award is conferred annually by AIHP’s Board of Directors to recognize an individual or organization who has […]

2023 Kreminar: “Highlighting Our Homebase: Stories from the AIHP/UWSoP Historical Collections.”

AIHP invites all members to join us for a free webinar on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Noon (Central) for the final lecture in this summer’s “Kreminar” series. This week’s lecture will feature JJ Strange, a PhD student in the University of Wisconsin-Madison History of Science, Medicine and Technology program, whose lecture is entitled “Stories […]

Remembering Pharmacy’s Past: Tadeusz Pankiewicz: A Biography of a WWII Pharmacist

Editor’s Note: The following article is part of AIHP’s “Remembering Pharmacy’s Past” series, in which we highlight previously published articles that recount aspects of pharmacy’s long and colorful history. The article was authored by Rachel Buchanan and Robin Tumlinson, PharmD candidates 2022, and Bernie R. Olin, PharmD., Associate Clinical Professor Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy. The article […]

“We Remember Them” Update: We Need Your Help!

AIHP last November posted an article on its website highlighting a new book published by longtime Institute member Dennis B. Worthen, PhD, that identifies and provides brief biographies of 165 pharmacists and pharmacy students who were killed in action, or died while on active duty, during World War II. The book, We Remember Them: Pharmacy’s […]

AIHP Leadership Transition Underway

Current AIHP Historical Director Lucas Richert, PhD, will become the Institute’s Executive Director on July 1, when Dennis Birke retires from that position, AIHP President John D. Grabenstein, PhD, announced in a recent email sent to members. AIHP will also hire a new Director of Operations to manage the Institute’s day-to-day affairs, Dr. Grabenstein announced. […]

Nominations for Certificates of Commendation Now Being Accepted

Each year AIHP awards Certificates of Commendation to recognize individuals or organizations whose work or actions have contributed to or promoted the history of pharmacy and pharmaceuticals in creative or innovative ways. The Institute is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Certificates of Commendation. Nominations will be accepted through August 1, 2023. The nomination form is available on AIHP’s […]

AIHP Member Publishes Book on Drug Promotion Memorabilia

Pharmacists of a certain age will remember when pharmaceutical companies promoted their products with a vast array of pens, key chains, ashtrays, and a myriad of other kinds of trinkets. Those days ended in 2009 when the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) released its Code on Interactions with Health Care Professionals, which essentially […]

AIHP Announces New Online Directory of Pharmacy Museums

AIHP is pleased to announce that its website now features an online directory of museums of pharmacy and pharmaceuticals in the United States. AIHP is offering the directory to encourage members and others interested in the history of pharmacy to visit and support museums in their area. The directory can be accessed through a […]

AIHP Awards PhD Research Support Grant

The Institute is pleased to announce that a $2,000 AIHP PhD Research Support Grant has been awarded to Maggie Mang, a doctoral candidate in the Science and Technology Studies program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The grant will support Ms. Mang’s research for her dissertation, currently titled “Between Farm and Pharma: Agricultural Experimental Labs and Histories […]

Results of Member Survey Available for Review

Institute members are invited to review the results of a recently-conducted member survey. A report summarizing the results of the survey is available at this link. AIHP sent an email to all of its members in December 2022 inviting them to complete a linked survey form. A total of 85 member responded, representing approximately 22% […]

Remembering Pharmacy’s Past: Prohibition Era Medicinal Liquors

Editor’s Note: The following article is part of AIHP’s “Remembering Pharmacy’s Past” series, in which we highlight previously published articles that recount aspects of pharmacy’s long and colorful history. This article was authored by Aniel D. Russo, PharmD, and David Baker, BS, MBA, JD, Associate Professor, Western New England University College of Pharmacy & Health […]

AIHP Member Awarded the 2023 Remington Honor Medal

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) recently announced that Henri R. Manasse Jr. has been awarded the 2023 Remington Honor Medal, the highest honor bestowed by APhA and one of the pharmacy profession’s most prestigious awards. Dr. Manasse has been an AIHP member since 2013, and previously served on the Institute’s Awards Committee. APhA selected Dr. […]

New Podcast Links the Humanities and Biomedicine

Members of AIHP will be interested in a new podcast (“The Clinic and the Person”) that aims to show how the humanities (e.g., language arts, visual arts, history) can be applied in health professional education and practice with the goal of improving patient care. The program’s intended audience includes pharmacists and other healthcare workers who […]

Call for Nominations for the George Urdang Medal

The American Institute for the History of Pharmacy is now accepting nominations for the George Urdang Medal. The deadline for receipt of nominations is June 1, 2023. The George Urdang Medal recognizes the lifetime achievements of a person who, over a sustained period, has made important scholarly contributions to the field of the history of pharmacy […]

AIHP Accepting Applications for 2023 AIHP PhD Research Support Grants

The American Institute of the History of Pharmacy is now accepting applications for 2023 AIHP PhD Research Support Grants. The deadline for receipt of applications is March 31, 2023. The AIHP PhD Research Support Grant Program encourages academic research by doctoral candidates on topics related to the history of pharmacy and pharmaceuticals (broadly defined). The […]

Jeffrey Sturchio Appointed to AIHP’s Board of Directors

AIHP is pleased to announce that Jeffrey L. Sturchio, PhD, has joined its Board of Directors as an appointed director. He will serve a three-year term. Dr. Sturchio is an accomplished historian of the history of medicine and science and an experienced executive in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and nonprofit sectors. He has been a member […]

Cynthia Boyle and Patricia Kienle Elected to AIHP’s Board of Directors

Two longtime AIHP members have been elected to the Institute’s Board of Directors. Cynthia J. Boyle, PharmD, FAPhA, who was appointed as AIHP’s Vice President in 2021, has been elected to that position for a three-year term. Patricia C. Kienle, MPA, BCSCP, FASHP, has been elected to serve a three-year term as a Director. The […]

Competition Opens for the 2023 AIHP Glenn Sonnedecker Prize

The American Institute of the History of Pharmacy is pleased to announce the opening of the 2023 AIHP Glenn Sonnedecker Prize competition. Each year, the Sonnedecker Prize recognizes the author(s) of the best unpublished manuscript submitted in the competition on a topic within the field of the history of pharmacy and pharmaceuticals. The Prize is […]

Points Blog Seeks Contributing Editors

Points, the joint blog of AIHP and the Alcohol and Drugs History Society (ADHS), is accepting applications for five new Contributing Editors to join the editorial team. Interested AIHP members are encouraged to apply. Points brings together scholars and thinkers with wide-ranging expertise to produce original reflections about the history of drugs, medicines, pharmaceuticals, alcohol, […]

Remembering Pharmacy’s Past: Looking Back at Pharmacy and the Kefauver Hearings

Editor’s Note: AIHP is introducing a new feature called Remembering Pharmacy’s Past, in which we will highlight previously published articles that recount aspects of pharmacy’s long and colorful history. We begin this feature with an article by AIHP’s former Executive Director, Greg Higby, PhD, originally published in the Fall 2017 issue of the AACP History […]

AIHP Pharmaceutical Trade Catalog Collection Now Online

Selections from AIHP’s Pharmaceutical Trade Catalog Collection have been digitized and are now available online (here) through the University of Wisconsin Digital Collections Center (UWDCC). The nearly 500 pharmaceutical trade catalogs in the collection, dating from 1829 to 2000, provide a picture into the products of American drug manufacturers of the period. The digitization of the […]

From the Collections: America’s First College of Pharmacy Now Part of St. Joseph’s University

From the Collections is a recurring feature at aihp.org that highlights articles, artifacts, images, and other items of interest from AIHP publications and collections. This post is contributed by William A. Zellmer, a past president of AIHP. The years 2021 and 2022 have marked important milestones in the long and illustrious history of the Philadelphia College […]

From the Collections: Supporting Student Research

From the Collections is a recurring feature at aihp.org that highlights articles, artifacts, images, and other items of interest from AIHP publications and collections. This post is contributed by Susie Seefelt Lesieutre, AIHP’s Collections Associate. As work begins on the National Endowment for the Humanities grant awarded earlier this year, the historical collections in the AIHP Kremers […]

Grand Opening of Expanded Pharmacy History Museum

The University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy hosted the grand opening of the Coit Museum of Pharmacy and Health Sciences on October 29, 2022. The museum is a major expansion of the college’s pharmacy museum first established in 1966. Expansion of the museum was made possible by a $50 million gift from […]

AIHP Adopts Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Values Statement

AIHP has adopted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Values Statement to express its commitment to DEI principles and practices. Approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting in October, the statement reads: The mission of the American Institute for the History of Pharmacy (AIHP) is to advance knowledge and understanding of the history of […]

Tribute to Pharmacists Killed in World War II Posted on Website

“[T]here were some who did not survive; their stories have been forgotten or never told.” Dennis B. Worthen, PhD A new resource on AIHP’s website honors the 165 American pharmacists and pharmacy students who were killed in action, or died while on active duty, during World War II. The resource, a directory titled We Remember […]

AIHP’s Annual Members Meeting Scheduled for November 10

Mark your calendars! AIHP’s Annual Members Meeting (formerly the Annual Business Meeting) is scheduled for Thursday, November 10, 2022, beginning at 1:00 pm Central/2:00 pm Eastern. The two-hour meeting is designed to allow AIHP’s leaders and staff to report to our members and supporters on the Institute’s status and activities. The meeting will be streamed […]

Slate of Nominees for AIHP’s Board of Directors Announced

AIHP’s Nominations Committee has announced the slate of nominees for positions on the Institute’s Board of Directors. Reflecting the high volunteer spirit of our members, Institute members in the upcoming election will have the opportunity to choose between two nominees to fill one position on the Board. AIHP’s bylaws charge the Nominations Committee (comprised of […]

New Issue of History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals Just Published With New Editorial Structure

The latest issue of AIHP’s academic journal, History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals (HoPP), has just been published, and is currently being mailed to Institute members. Members will be able to access the digital version of the issue (No. 64.1) on the HoPP website shortly. The issue contains four lead articles, four book reviews, and other […]

Hasegawa Lectures on Prescription Dispensing During the Civil War Era

AIHP member Guy R. Hasegawa, PharmD, presented a lecture on prescription dispensing during the American Civil War at the August 25, 2022, annual meeting of the Mortar and Pestle Society, the charitable organization that supports the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum in Alexandria, Virginia. Dr. Hasegawa’s topics including prescription-writing practices during the mid-1800s; typical prescription ingredients; the […]

Professor Paula De Vos Receives 2022 Edward Kremers Award

AIHP is pleased to announce that the 2022 Edward Kremers Award has been awarded to Paula S. De Vos, Ph.D. for her book, Compound Remedies: Galenic Pharmacy from the Ancient Mediterranean to New Spain (University of Pittsburgh Press, 2020). AIHP awards the Edward Kremers Award biennially to recognize the author(s) of a book, or a […]

Call for Papers for Special Issue of History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals

History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals, the official journal of the American Institute of the History of Pharmacy (AIHP), is pleased to announce a call for papers for a special issue: “Regulating Reproduction in the History of Pharmaceuticals and Drugs.” Guest editors for the special issue will be Dr. Kelly O’Donnell of Yale University and Dr. […]

AIHP Marks 50th Anniversary of Pharmacy Stamp With “First Day Cover” Collection

For many interested in the history of pharmacy, November 10, 1972, stands out as the momentous day the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp honoring the pharmacy profession. AIHP is marking the 50th anniversary of the stamp’s issuance by posting on its website a collection of pharmacy stamp “first day covers,” courtesy of pharmacist […]

From the Collections: Exploring the Drug Topics Photograph Collection

From the Collections is a recurring feature at aihp.org that highlights articles, artifacts, images, and other items of interest from AIHP publications and collections. This post is contributed by Susie Seefelt Lesieutre, AIHP’s Collections Associate. The AIHP Drug Topics Photograph Collection comprises nearly 20,000 black and white photos commissioned by Drug Topics for use in the […]

AIHP Issues Three Certificates of Commendation

AIHP is pleased to announce that it has awarded Certificates of Commendation to two individuals and one organization for their notable contributions to the history of pharmacy. The Institute’s Certificate of Commendation program recognizes projects and contributions that have either advanced knowledge or understanding of the history of pharmacy or that have used the history […]

Michael Harris Receives AIHP Robert P. Fischelis Award

The Institute’s Board of Directors has awarded the 2022 AIHP Robert P. Fischelis Award to longtime AIHP member Michael Harris for his extraordinary contributions to the Institute and the field of pharmacy history. The AIHP Robert P. Fischelis Award is conferred annually by AIHP’s Board of Directors to a person or organization that has had […]

AIHP Awards 12 Student Certificates of Recognition

The Institute is pleased to announce that it has awarded AIHP Student Certificates of Recognition to 12 students during the 2021–22 academic year. The purpose of the Student Certificate of Recognition Program is to recognize and encourage superior achievement in historical study or activities by pharmacy students. A Student Certificate of Recognition typically is awarded […]

45th International Congress for the History of Pharmacy Planned

AIHP members are encouraged to attend the 45th International Congress for the History of Pharmacy, which is being held in Milan, Italy, on September 7-10, 2022. The International Congress is the biennial meeting of the International Society of the History of Pharmacy, of which AIHP is a member. This year’s meeting is being hosted by […]

AIHP Digital Library Update: Drug Advertising Collections

AIHP recently added the James Harvey Young Drug Advertising Collection to the AIHP Digital Library. These ads are a valuable complement to the Mickey Smith Drug Advertising Collection that we posted to the Digital Library earlier this year. Together these two collections comprise around 250 separate ads. The James Harvey Young collection consists mostly of […]

AIHP Accepting Nominations for Certificates of Commendation

Each year AIHP awards Certificates of Commendation to recognize individuals or organizations whose work or actions have contributed to or promoted the history of pharmacy and pharmaceuticals. The Institute is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Certificates of Commendation. Nominations will be accepted through August 1, 2022. The nomination form is available on AIHP’s website. […]

AIHP Honors 50-Year Members

Imagine being an AIHP member since Lyndon Johnson or Richard Nixon was president. Imagine becoming an Institute member when the Vietnam War was raging or when the federal Medicare program was first created. For some of us, these things occurred before we were born, and long before we ever considered becoming a member and supporter […]

New $326,000 Grant To Expand Access to AIHP’s Historical Collections

AIHP is pleased to announce that its host institution, the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy (UWSoP), has been awarded a $326,000 grant designed to significantly increase the public’s ability to discover, use, and access the Institute’s important historical collections. The three-year grant was awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. AIHP’s Historical Director, […]

AIHP Members Invited to Join “Hormones and Health” Program

AIHP members are invited to join us for a online program and panel discussion on Hormones and Health on Wednesday, April 27, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Central. This program is free, but preregistration at this link is required. Hormones play a significant role in human reproduction – from feelings of love, sex and […]

AIHP Awards $2,000 PhD Research Support Grant

The Institute is pleased to announce that a $2,000 AIHP PhD Research Support Grant has been awarded to Taylor Dysart, a doctoral candidate in the Department of History and Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania. The grant will support Ms. Dysart’s research for her dissertation, currently titled “The Scientist and the Jaguar: Enchanting Plants and […]

The History of Pharmacy’s Expanded Role in Combatting COVID-19

Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy interns in the United States have played a vital role in the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. An unprecedented federal preemption of state pharmacy practice laws facilitated pharmacy’s expanded authority for COVID-19 testing and for providing immunizations and Covid treatments. The fascinating history of how the federal government created […]

AIHP Affirms Importance of History of Pharmacy Instruction in PharmD Curriculum Standards

AIHP is urging the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) to retain instruction in the history of pharmacy among the required curriculum elements when it updates accreditation standards for Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs. AIHP’s views were sent in a letter responding to ACPE’s request for comments as it begins a comprehensive review of the […]

AIHP Accepting Applications for 2022 PhD Research Support Grants

The American Institute of the History of Pharmacy is now accepting applications for 2022 AIHP PhD Research Support Grants. The deadline for receipt of applications is April 1, 2022. The AIHP PhD Research Support Grant Program encourages academic research by doctoral candidates on topics related to the history of pharmacy and pharmaceuticals (broadly defined). The […]

2022 AIHP Glenn Sonnedecker Prize Competition

The American Institute of the History of Pharmacy is pleased to announce the opening of the competition for the 2022 AIHP Glenn Sonnedecker Prize. AIHP awards the Sonnedecker Prize to the author(s) of the best unpublished manuscript received in our annual competition on a topic within the field of the history of pharmacy and pharmaceuticals. […]

Call for Nominations for the Edward Kremers Award

The American Institute of the History of Pharmacy is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Edward Kremers Award. The deadline for receipt of nominations is May 15, 2022. AIHP awards the Edward Kremers Award to recognize the author(s) of a specific book, or a series of related articles, published within the past five years, in […]

New Collections Posted on AIHP’s Digital Library

The Institute invites members to visit our growing AIHP Digital Library, hosted on Omeka, a web publishing platform. Over the past year, Institute staff have begun to digitize select AIHP collections to make them more accessible to members and researchers, as part of a strategic initiative to increase overall access to collections housed at AIHP’s […]

Members Support AIHP With Year-End Gifts Totaling $10,500

In early December, AIHP invited members to supplement their support for the Institute by making a year-end donation. The response from our loyal members was extremely gratifying! AIHP extends its thanks and gratitude to the following 55 members who made year-end gifts totaling $10,500: Paul Ackerman * Nancy Alvarez * Rima Apple* Richard Beebe * […]

New Appointments to AIHP’s Board of Directors

AIHP’s Board of Directors took action in December to fill several Board vacancies. A current director, Cynthia J. Boyle, PharmD, was elected to the position of Vice President. John Grabenstein left that position in November when he was installed as AIHP’s President. Dr. Boyle, a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the University of […]

AIHP Director Receives ASHP Distinguished Leadership Award

John E. Clark, PharmD, MS, FASHP, who joined AIHP’s Board of Directors in November, was awarded the ASHP Distinguished Leadership Award at the organization’s Midyear Clinical Meeting in December. The award is given annually to recognize contributions to excellence in pharmacy practice leadership in acute and ambulatory care settings. Dr. Clark is an Assistant Professor […]

Grabenstein Installed as AIHP President

“We pursue history to inform progress” John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD, was installed as AIHP’s President at the Institute’s Annual Business Meeting on November 18. He succeeded W. Clarke Ridgway, who retired from the Board of Directors after serving two-years as President and nine years as Treasurer. Dr. Grabenstein is a globally recognized vaccinologist, pharmacist, […]