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Call for Materials for New Toxicology History Room at 2009 SOT Conference in Baltimore
by Phil Wexler and Steven G. Gilbert, History Room Coordinators
For the first time ever, the 2009 SOT Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, will feature a Toxicology History Room (THR). The exhibit will showcase documents and other printed matter, artifacts, memorabilia, and digital displays that highlight the historical importance and societal impact of toxicology, and the history of SOT. The goal of the history room is to stimulate the interest of the SOT membership and other meeting attendees in the scientific discipline of toxicology, according to the lead coordinators, Steven G. Gilbert and Phil Wexler. The exhibit would serve as a model for the SOT 50th Anniversary celebration in 2011.
SOT is collaborating with several Baltimore-Washington institutions, such as the National Library of Medicine and the National Museum of Health and Science to construct displays based partially upon facsimiles of their holdings, and Drs. Wexler and Gilbert are trying to arrange for a guest speaker or two to speak on topics related to toxicology history. A THR Task Force, spearheaded by SOT members Steve G. Gilbert and Phil Wexler is being assembled.
One component of the THR will consist of materials provided by the SOT membership. Drs. Wexler and Gilbert are asking SOT members to see if any SOT members have any items of potential historical relevance, be they 19th-century medication vials for questionable nostrums, labels for containers of long banned pesticides, lead based paint, public health posters encouraging or decrying smoking, letters or photos or sketches of prominent researchers, obsolete analytical instrumentation parts (small, please), or other items of historical interest. They are particularly interested in historical material related to the founding of SOT, such as pictures, memorabilia, or related documents. Please contact Phil Wexler or Steve G. Gilbert with a description and, if possible, photo of the item, and indicate whether you would be willing to donate this for permanent use, or just loan it to the 2009 THR. Materials need not be limited to those originating in the U.S.
Members will be asked to evaluate the THR to help assess its usefulness, impact, future direction, and general interest. This activity aligns closely with a number of elements of SOT's strategic plan, particularly related to communications. Wexler and Gilbert envision the THR as not only of interest to SOT members but also as a way to engage students and the general public. Consideration will also be given to developing a history section on SOT's Web site, to make historical information more widely available on a permanent basis. The THR in Baltimore will be SOT's first step in focusing on the rich and fascinating history of toxicology through the ages.
Please help make the THR a success by contributing materials and ideas. SOT Members are asked to submit ideas for materials to the coordinators by October 15.
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