In October of 2007, Pfizer Inc. gifted to the American Pharmacists Association Foundation, Great Moments in Pharmacy, a collection of 40 paintings depicting a comprehensive history of pharmacy by artist Robert Thom (1915-1979). The idea for the paintings was conceived by Pharmacist George A. Bender(1904-1985) when he served as editor of the North Western Druggist from 1929 through 1932 and the ultimate commission of the series was funded by Parke-Davis.
The first 16 paintings in the Great Moments in Pharmacy series pay tribute to the accomplishments of the apothecaries and their predecessors in Babylon, China, Egypt, Persia and Europe. The remaining 24 paintings are devoted to pharmacy in the Americas, especially in the English colonies and the United States including coverage of the history of the American Pharmacists Association. APhA is privileged to display the collection in the Art Gallery of its Headquarters Building. The gallery is located in the original APhA headquarters building designed by renowned architect, John Russell Pope.
Great Moments in Pharmacy Booklet
Great Moments in Pharmacy Article by George Griffenhagen