Mr. Henry Adams immigrates in 1880 to the United States at the age of 22. Educated as a building engineer, he takes his first job in the U.S. with Benjamin F. Bennett, a prominent Baltimore builder.

In 1886, Adams takes the job of chief engineer for the Treasury Department, Supervising Architect’s Office. Adams is responsible for the heating and ventilating systems in all federal buildings, including several at Ellis Island. During his 12-year tenure with the government, he is active in establishing the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers (ASHVE and forerunner to ASHRAE), and becomes a charter member in 1894. Adams writes many technical articles for the society, serves as its sixth president in 1899, and remains active until his death in 1929.

In 1898, seeing a growing need for engineered building systems, Henry Adams leaves the government and starts his own consulting practice in Baltimore, MD. Adams is responsible for the development of heating and ventilating systems for several prominent buildings in Baltimore and other major cities.