On May 16, 1916, a groundbreaking virtual meeting was led by John J. Carty of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) from New York City, connecting over 5,100 engineers across eight cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco. This pioneering event utilized telephone lines that spanned approximately 6,500 kilometers (4,000 miles) across 20 states, marking a significant milestone in engineering and telecommunications history. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson congratulated the AIEE on this remarkable achievement, highlighting the importance of innovation in the field [cd3f3baf].
The meeting featured breakout sessions that included local addresses from various city representatives discussing engineering progress and challenges. Notable speakers at the event included Lawrence Lowell of Harvard and Ray Wilbur of Stanford, who contributed to the discussions on the future of engineering. Additionally, the meeting included a musical interlude with songs played from each participating city, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the event [cd3f3baf].
The AIEE's first woman member was admitted in 1922, reflecting the evolving landscape of engineering and the increasing inclusion of diverse voices in the field. This historic virtual meeting was celebrated in local newspapers, emphasizing its significance as a milestone in the history of engineering and telecommunications [cd3f3baf].