George B. Griffenhagen

Born on June 9, 1924, George Bernard Griffenhagen served in World War II before earning a master's degree in pharmacy at the University of Southern California. After becoming a licensed pharmacist, he focused on the history of pharmacy in California and later became curator of Medical Sciences at the Smithsonian Institution.

He went on to spend more than 40 years with the American Pharmaceutical Association, where he served in senior communications roles, edited its journal, and wrote or edited more than a dozen books. His work also included major reference and history projects, and he was widely recognized for his service to American pharmacy, including receiving the Remington Medal in 1991.

Griffenhagen remained active after retirement as executive secretary of the American Institute of the History of Pharmacy. Alongside his writing on pharmacy history, he was also deeply involved in philately, publishing extensively on stamps and earning honors in that field as well.