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Thomas Edison’s Plan to Illuminate America in the Late Nineteenth Century
Oakton Library 10304 Lynnhaven Pl, Oakton, VA, United StatesIn October 1880, Thomas A. Edison published “The Success of the Electric Light,” in The North American Review,” to explain that the adoption of his electric light for domestic use has been delayed “due to the enormous mass of details which have to be mastered before the system can go into operation on a large scale, and on a commercial basis as a rival of the existing system of lighting by gas.” The “enormous mass of details” would include further research and development to improve the lamp, founding companies to manufacture components, and personally funding and supervising a company to build power plants. This talk will focus on the Thomas A. Edison Central Station Construction Department, a little-known entity founded by Edison himself in May 1883, to construct direct-current electric power stations in towns and cities throughout the United States. It built thirteen central stations in Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania before being absorbed by the Edison Company for Isolated Lighting in October 1884, coincidently, around the time IEEE was founded. While Edison stepped away from the day-to-day central station business, he continued research in direct current and later alternating current technology. And by the late 1880s, he found himself dragged into a media war with George Westinghouse in what has become the mythical “battle of the currents.” In 1887, Edison opened a new and expanded research laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey and by 1890 his research and business interests moved on to the improved phonograph, the talking doll, motion pictures, ore milling, and other technologies.
Engaging Students in STEM with Historical Narratives
We invite you to attend a free webinar, Engaging Students in STEM through Historical Narratives: The Example of Drones, on October 15th from 4pm to 5pm ET. Drones have been in the news lately, from use in damage surveillance in the devastating hurricanes to cleaning garbage off Mount Everest. In this webinar we will focus on the IEEE REACH UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle or "drones") Inquiry Unit, which explains how drones had their origins in the military but have applications across society, and encourages students to use knowledge of the past and present to speculate on the future. By immersing students in the historical narrative, REACH encourages students to think critically about technology and examine its relationship to society, culture, economics, and politics. Like the other nine free REACH units, UAV (drones) includes an inquiry designed lesson plan, teacher background information, primary and secondary sources, engaging student videos, and a hands-on activity. Participants in the webinar will walk away with ideas and resources you can use immediately in the classroom, and will have an opportunity to ask questions of historian Dr. Michael Geselowitz, Senior Director of the IEEE History Center. Register for the webinar.
Unlocking Potential: How Key Partnerships Fuel Technological Innovation
During this session, learn about TryEngineering’s partnerships with other IEEE programs and external organizations. View webinar recording.
Unseen Signals traveling exhibit opening
National Museum of Industrial History 602 E 2nd St, Bethlehem, PA, United StatesThe Unseen Signals traveling exhibit celebrates the life of the unsung genius and IEEE Medal of Honor winner Edwin H. Armstrong by highlighting his technological innovations, patriotism, and the continuing relevance of his achievements. It delves into Armstrong’s intellectual and professional journey against a backdrop of progress in wireless communication. Beginning with an exploration of the humble origins of the radio era during the early 20th century, we invite visitors to immerse themselves in Armstrong’s university years, his military service during the First World War, his alliance with the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), and the rise of the radio broadcasting industry. The IEEE Global Museum presented by the IEEE History Center brings museum-quality traveling exhibits to IEEE members and the public to promote an understanding of electrotechnology and its impact on society. This exhibit will open on 2 November 2024 at the National Museum of Industrial History in Bethlehem, PA. View the flyer for the opening or view the Museum's main collections webpage.