NORWICH – The Chenango County Historical Society is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibit celebrating the history of the Norwich Pharmacal Company, at the CCHS Museum in Norwich. The opening will be held on Thursday, with remarks and ribbon-cutting at 7 p.m. and exhibit tours to follow until 9 that evening. Retired employees of the Norwich Pharmacal Co. will also be at the CCHS Museum on Friday, and from the 19-24th from 1-3 p.m. to guide visitors through the new exhibit and share their memories of the company.

The Norwich Pharmacal Company holds an important place in the manufacturing history of Chenango County. The company rose from its origins in the late 19th Century as a manufacturer of botanical extracts and patent medicines to become an important international producer of both over-the-counter and prescription medicine acquired in the 1980s by Procter & Gamble. In its heyday the company employed over 1000 people locally, and produced such well-known products as Pepto-Bismol and Unguentine.

The museum was originally created at the Eaton Avenue offices (now the Eaton Center) as part of the company’s centennial celebration. When Procter & Gamble left the Eaton Center, the museum exhibit and a large collection of company materials were given to the Chenango County Historical Society. Last year the CCHS Board of Trustees decided to make the move so the NPCo exhibit could be open more hours at the CCHS Museum.