Founded in 1852 to represent members of the civil engineering profession worldwide, ASCE is the oldest national engineering society in the United States. Some 36 years later in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ASCE held its 20th annual convention, marking the occasion with a group photograph.
Once lost to history, we now know many of the ASCE members who took part in a photograph commemorating its 20th annual convention in 1888 – including two dentifications that likely push back the record of women and minorities as members of the Society. Before the work of Michael O’Connor, History and Heritage Committee corresponding member, the attendees pictured remained anonymous, as the photograph did not identify the individuals. Using the conference attendee list and photograph, O’Connor researched each person in an attempt to identify the individuals.
Emily Warren Roebling (1843-1903), seen in the first row, center left, in the black dress and hat, famous for her engineering work completing the Brooklyn Bridge, was a conference attendee. Despite a claim that she spoke at an ASCE conference, to date, no mention of her speech or attendance has been located in the Transactions. O’Connor’s work with the 1888 photograph places her at the ASCE annual convention.
The second identification remains nameless at this time, but his presence in the photograph is significant. An African American man stands in the center back of the group. This man appears to be an ASCE member as evidenced by the watch fob shown on his vest and on the vests of multiple white men identified in O’Connor’s annotated photograph. His presence is significant as ASCE’s current history acknowledges the first African American member joined in 1948. O’Connor’s work would push the history of African American membership in ASCE back 60 years to 1888.
At this year's World Environmental & Water Resources Congress, EWRI celebrated its own anniversary - 25 years! Over 500 attendees made the walk from the Baird Center to this original location of 813 E. Kilbourn Avenue, where the same building stands today. Standing in front of what is now the Women's Club of Wisconsin, attendees stopped traffic to take a huge group photograph with the help of a drone - a true example of how society and technology have progressed.
EWRI staff replicated the design of the watch fob in Image 1 and turned it into a large lapel pins to allow for a true repeat of the original. These pins went to current EWRI and ASCE members only. Staff also replicated the banner design from the original photo. Compare the photos and try to find yourself!
