Marie Curie’s visit to the United States in May and June of 1921 was well documented at the time in news outlets and the scientific press. Perhaps less well known are the identities and experiences of the chemists who helped make her brief stay in Chicago a memorable one. In addition to receiving a pair of honorary degrees from the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, Curie was awarded the Gibbs Medal for her 1898 discovery of radium, which, according to the May 1921 issue of <i>The Chemical Bulletin</i>, “opened an entirely new era of science. She penetrated what had been considered the ultimate limits of material philosophy." Despite a loyal effort to fully embrace these honorifics, however, "Marie ne parvient pas à practiser avec la gloire," according to one of her daughters who later recalled their time in America (<i>Marie Curie</i>, by Eve Curie, 1939, abridged). This talk will describe the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded during the Gibbs banquet, as well as highlight the role of Chicago’s college women who participated in a nation-wide effort to raise funds toward the purchase of 1 gram of radium for Curie's research program back in Paris. N.B. - Attendees at this talk are encouraged to wear their Ra and Po element pins.

Chicago-area chemists collaborate on accolades and cash for Madame Curie

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ACS Fall 2022

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