Greenwich Village in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
John W. Draper and the Founding of the American Chemical Society
National Chemical Historic Landmark
| | April 6, 1876 | |
Photographed by Erik Lander, April 26, 2012
1. John W. Draper Marker
On this site, 35 chemists formed the American Chemical Society, intending to stimulate original research, awaken and develop talent throughout the United States, provide fellowship, and ensure a better appreciation of the science by the general public. The Societys first president, New York University Professor John W. Draper, was noted for his pioneering work in photography and photochemistry, as well as his writings in history and education. In his inaugural address, Draper challenged his chemical colleagues to deliver unflinchingly to others the truths that Nature has delivered to us. In the 125 years since its founding, the Society has grown to more than 163,000 members.
Erected 2001 by American Chemical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1876.
Location. 40° 43.819′ N, 73° 59.735′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Greenwich Village. It is on Washington Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Washington Square East, New
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Triangle Fire Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Triangle Fire (within shouting distance of this marker); Brown Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Triangle Shirtwaist Factory (within shouting distance of this marker); Edward Hopper (within shouting distance of this marker); NYU 9/11 Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument (about 400 feet away); Cervantes (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Also see . . .
1. American Chemical Society. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on April 30, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
2. The Lost University Building - Washington Square East and Waverly Place.
Photographed by Erik Lander, April 26, 2012
2. John W Draper and the Founding of the American Chemical Society Marker
Photographed by Larry Gertner, October 13, 2018
3. New York University Silver Center
The ACS plaque is at the right side of the corner.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, October 13, 2018
4. The American Chemical Society crest
Located above the plaque.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2012, by Erik Lander of Brooklyn, New York. This page has been viewed 56,278 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on October 18, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1. submitted on June 14, 2022. 2. submitted on April 27, 2012, by Erik Lander of Brooklyn, New York. 3, 4. submitted on October 13, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
