D. Fred Bovie Library & Museum

Help Us Preserve the History of Welding!
The D. Fred Bovie Library and Museum is the American Welding Society’s premier attraction for welding history and memorabilia. Established in 2001, it pays tribute to the industry’s many innovations and accomplishments. Visitors can learn about the impact that our industry has made on the country and on the world.
Who was D. Fred Bovie?

David “Fred” Frederick Bovie had a very decorated career in the welding industry. An Ohio native, he earned his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University in 1953. While attending Ohio State, he was involved in ROTC and served in the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant for 2 years after graduating. He earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Chicago.
Bovie began his career as an application engineer in the Gas and Welding Unit at Airco. Over the next 27 years, he held a variety of marketing and operating management roles at the company. He eventually became the Vice President and General Manager for Airco’s arc equipment and filler metal business.
In 1980, Bovie started working for Alloy Rods Corp in York, PA. He was the company’s President and CEO until he and a colleague bought it and sold it to The ESAB Group, Inc. In 1988, he became President and CEO of ESAB’s North American Subsidiary; he remained in that role until his retirement.
A Life Member of the American Welding Society, Bovie was a member of the Welding Research Council, NWSA, and NEMA. He was also selected to the 2001 AWS Class of Counselors; he was an AWS Board member and an AWS Foundation Board member. He was also the AWS Foundation Board’s first Trustee Emeritus.
Inside the Library & Museum
The D. Fred Bovie Library and Museum is filled with all sorts of welding memorabilia. The library has welding standards, publications and textbooks from as early as 1919. The museum has welding equipment and coupons from various decades; it also features various awards presented to the Society or its members.
Whether you’ve been a welder for 30 years or a student who is just getting started, the D. Fred Bovie Library and Museum is great place to experience our industry’s rich and wonderful history.
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