Looking Back:
Celebrating the 150th Anniversary
of the American Society of Civil Engineers

Civil Engineers design the built environment and protect the natural environment. In doing so, Civil Engineers quietly shape the history of nations.

Most people cannot imagine life without Civil Engineers' many contributions to the public's health, safety, and standard of living. These contributions include transportation, clean water, power generation, the magnificent structures in which we live and work, and much, much more.

When its twelve Founders gathered in New York City on November 5, 1852 and agreed to incorporate the American Society of Civil Engineers and Architects, one can only wonder if they perhaps dreamed of the profound significance and long-lasting impact ASCE would have on the overall development of society. A plaque on the lawn of New York's City Hall Park marks the spot where the Rotunda building, in which ASCE was founded, once stood.

This week in Washington DC, we pause to honor our forebears in our eminent professional Society, which has grown to include more than 125,000 Civil Engineers. And we look forward to Building a Better World!

Special ASCE History Activities

Friday, November 1
"Historic Landmark Dedication"

Sunday, November 3 * 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
150th Anniversary Exhibition National Building Museum
One-hour private viewing for Conference attendees and their families!

Visit "Me, Myself, and Infrastructure: Private Lives and Public Works in America," the highly acclaimed ASCE 150th Anniversary Exhibition. After its debut in New York City, the show opens at the National Building Museum, 401 E Street, NW, on October 4, 2002. It continues through February 2, 2003.

The exhibition gives the public new perspectives on Civil Engineering by exploring the role of infrastructure - roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems - in everyday lives, and tells the story of how Civil Engineering influences modern life, public and private.

Join us and bring your family, too. This exhibition showcases your profession so that family members can appreciate better the importance of your daily endeavors in the field!

Admission: Complimentary

Monday, November 4 * 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
History & Heritage Breakfast: American Civil Engineering Achievements - A View from Abroad

Roland Paxton will discuss his findings from an extensive archival search for comment by leading British engineers on American Civil Engineering practice before 1840. He found that the most comprehensive coverage was by two Scots: Thomas Telford on suspension bridges and canals; and David Stevenson on harbors, inland navigation, roads, bridges, railways, and waterworks. Paxton will discuss comments by Telford and Stevenson. He will also touch on I.K. Brunel's original lithograph of wrought iron truss road bridges, and on Thomas Kirkbride's economical trusses and their design similarity with Scotland's famous Forth Bridge.

Speaker: Roland Paxton
A British Perspective on American Civil Engineering Achievement, 1810-1840

Tickets: $25.

Monday, November 4 * 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
150th Anniversary Celebration
Washington Convention Center Ballroom C

We begin our week's 150th Anniversary Celebration on the eve of the actual founding of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and invite you to join us to focus on and fete Civil Engineers through the years!

Tickets are included in all ASCE Full, Younger Member, Student, Spouse/Guest, and advance Monday-daily registration fees. Additional tickets: $20.

Sponsored by Marsh Affinity Group Services a service of Seabury & Smith