Celebrating a Century: The Founding and Legacy of the International Society for the History of Pharmacy

September 2nd –5th , 2026 | Innsbruck, Austria

The historic birthplace of our Society is Innsbruck, Tyrol. It was here, on August 18, 1926, that a pivotal moment occurred: Austrian pharmacist Ludwig Winkler, alongside Fritz Ferchl (Germany), Georg Urdang (Germany), Walther Zimmermann (Germany), and Otto Raubenheimer (USA), founded the "Gesellschaft für Geschichte der Pharmazie" (Society for the History of Pharmacy).

Ludwig Winkler's role was foundational and leading. As a key initiator and the Society's very first Chairman (1st Vorsitzender), Winkler, based in Innsbruck, provided crucial early leadership and direction. His commitment was instrumental in establishing the society in its Tyrolean home.

Driven by its Innsbruck-born vision, the Society grew rapidly. The journal "Die Vorträge der Hauptversammlung der Gesellschaft für Geschichte der Pharmazie," launched in 1927, attracted pharmacists from 17 nations within just three years. This remarkable growth led the 1929 General Assembly to formally adopt an international orientation.

The society navigated the challenges of the National Socialist era and World War II, re-emerging in 1949 with its current name: the International Society for the History of Pharmacy (IGGP). Its structure evolved over subsequent decades, notably becoming a federation of national societies in 1999.

This centennial celebration in Innsbruck holds profound significance. The idea for this landmark 100th-anniversary congress to return to the Society's birthplace was initiated by Ludwig Winkler's grandson. It is deeply regrettable that he passed away far too early to witness his vision come to fruition.

The Austrian Society for the History of Pharmacy is therefore deeply honoured and delighted to accept the esteemed privilege of hosting the centenary celebrations in Innsbruck, fulfilling this legacy and commemorating a century of international scholarship in the history of pharmacy where it all began.

Ludwig Winkler

Founding Visionary of Pharmaceutical History and the ISHP

Born in 1873 into Innsbruck's centuries-old Winkler apothecary dynasty, Ludwig Winkler became the pivotal force behind the International Society for the History of Pharmacy (ISHP). As owner of the historic Winkler City Pharmacy and a Privatdozent at the University of Innsbruck, his dedication to the field was profound.

His crowning achievement was founding the "Gesellschaft für Geschichte der Pharmazie" (Society for the History of Pharmacy) in Hall near Innsbruck on August 18, 1926. Winkler personally invited leading international scholars and served as its first Chairman, cementing Tyrol's role as the Society's birthplace. He actively shaped its early direction from its Innsbruck base.

Winkler was instrumental in establishing pharmaceutical history academically. Appointed lecturer for the new subject at the University of Innsbruck in 1923, he later habilitated (1927) and also taught pharmaceutical preparation. He fostered scholarship, notably supervising co-founder Fritz Ferchl's doctoral dissertation.

Passionate about preservation, he curated an extensive pharmaceutical library and a significant collection of historical pharmacy objects from his family's practice. He received major honours, including the Deutsches Museum's Golden Ring of Honor (1926) for establishing a museum pharmacy and honorary membership of the University of Innsbruck (1928).

His foundational leadership in Innsbruck directly enabled the Society's evolution into today's ISHP, making this centenary return to its origins profoundly meaningful. The Austrian Society for the History of Pharmacy is honoured to host these celebrations where Winkler's legacy began.

Emma Ferchl - Elise Tschirch - Alexander Tschirch - Anna Winkler

Ludwig Winkler - Fritz Ferchl - Walther Zimmermann

1927 Mittenwald | Familienarchiv Winkler

Ludwig Winkler

1873 - 1935

The Family Crest of the

Winkler Family

The Winkler Family-Legacy

Preserving Centuries of Pharmaceutical Heritage

The Winkler Pharmacy Museum, nestled within a historic building in Innsbruck's Old Town, stands as Austria's most comprehensive and fully preserved pharmaceutical museum. Its significance extends beyond a mere visitor attraction; it represents a remarkable continuity in the preservation of an invaluable cultural and scientific heritage.

The museum's collection offers a profound insight into the evolution of pharmacy, showcasing the intricate relationship between natural sciences, traditional healing practices, and the alchemical beliefs that once intertwined with medicinal arts. The very essence of the museum is its extraordinary state of preservation, reflecting centuries of dedicated stewardship.

A Legacy of Custodianship

The continuous operation and meticulous upkeep of this unique institution are a testament to the Winkler family's unwavering commitment. Established in 1326, the pharmacy entered the Winkler family's ownership in 1578, a remarkable lineage that has safeguarded its historical integrity for over four centuries.

Following the dedicated work of Ludwig Winkler, who ensured the museum's extensive collection was meticulously documented and maintained, the responsibility of preservation passed to his grandson, Andreas Winkler. Andreas Winkler further solidified the museum's standing, ensuring its continued relevance as a center for pharmaceutical history. Today, this vital custodianship has transitioned to Christoph Schwarz, Andreas Winkler's nephew. Under Schwarz's leadership, the museum not only continues to preserve its vast collection - from antique apothecary furnishings and medical instruments to a unique natural history collection - but also actively seeks to connect this rich past with contemporary understanding. This includes the fascinating revival of a 1760 chocolate recipe, now marketed under the "Officine Winkler" brand, illustrating a tangible link between historical practices and modern appreciation.

The Winkler Pharmacy Museum, therefore, is more than a collection of artifacts; it is a living testament to the enduring dedication of a family committed to preserving and sharing the profound history of pharmaceutical knowledge for an international audience.

The Winkler Family - Past and Future

The story of the Winkler family is inseparably linked with the history of our Society. In 1926, Ludwig Winkler stood among the founding figures of the International Society for the History of Pharmacy in Hall in Tyrol, just outside Innsbruck. A century later, this legacy has inspired us to return to Tyrol for the 100th Anniversary Congress, now to be held in Innsbruck in 2026.

It was Ludwig’s grandson, Andreas Winkler, who carried this tradition into our own time. With great enthusiasm and vision, he championed the idea of celebrating the centenary in Innsbruck and devoted himself wholeheartedly to its realization. His sudden and unexpected passing in early 2025 left us all deeply saddened, and we honor him with gratitude for his tireless commitment to the Society and its mission.

Yet his legacy lives on. Before his passing, Andreas had entrusted much of his life’s work, including the treasures of the Winkler Pharmacy Museum, to his nephew Dr. Christoph Schwarz. Today, Dr. Schwarz continues this heritage with dedication, serving as custodian of the Winkler Collection and ensuring that the family’s contribution remains alive for future generations.

We are grateful that Dr. Schwarz will join us as both a member of the congress committees and a participant in the jubilee gathering. In honoring the Winkler family, we celebrate not only the roots of our Society but also its future – built upon memory, continuity, and the enduring passion for the history of pharmacy.