About the Landmarks Program

Welcome to the American Chemical Society's National Historic Chemical Landmarks (Landmarks) program, administered by the ACS Office of Public Affairs. Under this program, ACS grants landmark status to seminal achievements in the history of chemical science and technology. Prospective landmarks are nominated by ACS local sections, divisions or committees; reviewed by the National Historic Chemical Landmarks Committee; and approved by the ACS Board of Directors.

To symbolize the designation of a landmark, ACS presents a commemorative plaque to the owner or administrator, publishes a commemorative booklet written by the Office of Public Affairs and provides additional information via the Landmarks website. The designation, presentation and attendant ceremonies and publications are designed to catalyze a local outreach program, focusing public attention on the landmark.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Landmarks program is to enhance the public's recognition and appreciation of the contributions of the chemical sciences and chemical engineering to modern life and to increase the sense of pride in their practitioners. The program does this by recognizing and celebrating landmark achievements of chemists, chemical engineers, and the chemical enterprise.

The goals of the Landmarks program are to:

• Celebrate seminal achievements in the history of the chemical sciences.
• Raise the visibility of the program to members of the chemical enterprise and the public.

To accomplish these goals the Landmarks Committee identifies potential landmarks and ensures their historical accuracy.

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Criteria for a Landmark Designation

1. National Historic Chemical Landmarks must clearly represent seminal achievements in the history of chemistry. Landmark achievements may be discoveries, bodies of work, resources, advances, or an artifact but are not limited to these categories.
2. The achievement that is to be recognized must have occurred at least twenty-five years ago.
3. The achievement must evidence a significant impact and benefit to society and the chemical profession.

Criteria for International Designations

• International Landmarks Program

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Historic Chemical Landmarks

The American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, has declared more than 60 places, discoveries and achievements historic chemical landmarks.

The process begins at the local level. ACS members identify milestones in their cities or regions, document their importance and nominate them for landmark designation. An international committee of chemists, chemical engineers, museum curators and science and technology historians evaluates each nomination and approves those meriting landmark status. For more information, e-mail us at: nhclp@acs.org.

Find a Landmark

For a full listing of National Historic Chemical Landmarks, visit the Landmarks Directory where you will find Landmarks organized by date of designation, location and type of discovery.

Back to Landmarks Main Page

Learn more: About the Landmarks Program

Take action: Nominate a Landmark and Contact the NHCL Coordinator