History

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AFS traces its roots to 1896, when 220 charter members of the American Foundrymen's Association met in Philadelphia. In the years that followed, the organization pursued key priorities including advancing the science of metallurgy used in castings, and improving safety and health conditions in the industry. In 1948, the organization's name was changed, with "Association" becoming "Society." Over time, another organization, the American Cast Metals Association, grew in importance as a management and advocacy organization for the industry. The two organizations merged in 1990, providing a unified industry voice on governmental matters affecting the metalcasting industry. From the early 1900s, sustainable excellence in metalcasting education has been a cornerstone of AFS service to the industry, and is now embodied in the AFS Institute. In 2000, the official name was changed from American Foundrymen's Society to American Foundry Society.

On this page, you will find links to information that reflects the rich history and legacy of our organization.

Past Presidents

AFS 125th Anniversary Magazine

AFS Timeline 1600 - 1899

AFS Timeline 1900 - 1940

AFS TImeline 1941 - 1980

AFS TImeline 1981 - 2021

Hoyt Memorial Lecture

Peter L. Simpson Gold Medalists

Thomas W. Pangborn Gold Medalists

John A. Penton Gold Medalists

John H. Whiting Gold Medalists

Joseph S. Seaman Gold Medalists

William H. McFadden Gold Medalists

Keating Founders’ Freedom Award

Awards of Scientific Merit

Service Citations

Metalcasting Congress Locations

Executive Leadership

William J. Grede Award

Jack F. Steele Excellence in Marketing

Applied Research Award

AFS Ray Witt Award

Howard F. Taylor Award