As 2025 starts winding down, we’re reflecting on a year of exciting progress, meaning ful connections, and renewed commitment to our mission at the American Institute of the History of Pharmacy. Here are some highlights and updates we’re proud to share with our members and supporters:
People Matter
This year, we welcomed new faces to our small but mighty team. Bronte Jensen joined us as Development Officer, and Hannah Dillemuth came on board as our new Archivist. Their expertise and energy have already made a big impact.
Our internship program also thrived in 2025. We were honored to host a diverse group of interns from various academic backgrounds. These talented individuals worked with unprocessed archival collections and developed innovative pilot projects that are helping us reimagine how we share pharmacy history.
A Digital Library for All
In a major step forward, we launched our digital repository of rare archival materials and artifacts. This growing online resource makes historical advertisements, crude drug materials, letters, and more accessible to researchers and the public. It’s a powerful tool for exploring pharmacy’s role in shaping healthcare and society—and we’re just getting started.
New Programs & Fresh Ideas
Under the leadership of Program Manager Kristen Huset, our virtual webinars and outreach initiatives brought together global audiences to explore a wide range of topics. We also helped launch the Pharmacy History Working Group at the Consortium for Science, Technology, and Medicine, creating new opportunities for collaboration and scholarship.
Meanwhile, AIHP Board Member John Grabenstein worked closely with staff and partners to develop a Digital Historical Markers tool—an exciting new way to engage with pharmacy history in the digital age.
Rising to the Challenge
Not everything went according to plan. In August, a flooding incident at AIHP headquarters caused significant disruption. We lost equipment and sustained water damage to parts of our archival collection. It was a difficult moment—but also a clarifying one.
The flood reminded us just how vital our collections are, and how urgently we need to invest in their preservation. Many of you shared your thoughts with us this year, and there’s a strong consensus: it’s time to upgrade our collections spaces and enhance our ability to protect and share these irreplaceable materials.
Join Us in Moving Forward
Your support makes all the difference. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve been able to begin our flood recovery efforts and start reimagining our spaces to be more resilient in the face of future challenges.
Your membership is a powerful way to support our mission. And if you’re able, a gift of any size will help us:
Together, we’re building a stronger, more accessible future for the history of pharmacy. Thank you for being part of our community.
