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 is the leading organization in the United States dedicated to documenting and preserving the history of pharmacy and medicines. For over 80 years, we’ve served as a vital resource for scholars, educators, professional associations, and the pubic, providing access to rare books, manuscripts, artifacts, and oral histories that illuminated the evolution of pharmacy practice, education, regulation, and industry. 

Our work includes:

• Maintaining one of the world’s foremost historical archives on pharmacy
• Supporting research and education through grants, fellowships, and symposia
• Communicating with the public about pharmacy, pharmaceuticals, and medicines that impact all of our lives
• Collaborating with pharmacy schools to integrate historical perspectives into curricula
• Digitizing rare materials and expanding public access to pharmacy’s heritage
• Publishing the peer-reviewed journal History of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals

This flood has jeopardized our collections and our ability to serve the pharmacy community. We are now focused on recovery, salvaging damaged materials, restoring infrastructure, and planning for long-term resilience. But we need your help.

Your support can make a difference. Contributions will directly aid in:

• Rebuilding our archival and research spaces for the future
• Restoration, rehousing, and conservation of historical documents and artifacts
• Sustaining our educational and outreach programs
• Enhancing our digital infrastructure for broader public access

Please consider making a donation or connecting us with individuals or organizations who can assist. Every gift helps us Answer History’s Call and ensures that pharmacy’s past continues to inform its future.

Donations to support the recovery efforts can be made directly to the AIHP Gregory J. Higby Fund.

Thank you for standing with AIHP during this critical time. Together, we can rebuild and continue to preserve the stories that matter. 

​With sincere gratitude,