This paper will look at how chemistry has been presented to various audiences at the Chemical Heritage Foundation, a museum, library, and center for research in the history of chemistry, chemical engineering, and related sciences and technologies. The depiction of chemistry and its impact on society is is a core element of CHF's mission, but there are many ways that such a presentation can be done. As an independent institution that receives a great deal of support from the chemical community and wants to be a trusted voice to the public, CHF has to be very cognizant of how its messages are received and understood. Much like the Science Museum in London, CHF has spent a great deal of time presenting chemistry as a skillful science and the benefits of chemistry's products on the world with less emphasis on controversy. However, the times CHF has dealt with controversial issues, like asbestos, the reaction has been quite unexpected and informative. CHF's body of work will be informative in helping us understand chemistry's legacy and how to accurately present the science and its technologies in a way that people will take us seriously.

Public perceptions of chemistry and the Chemical Heritage Foundation

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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