MIT Historical Society is Proposed

Paul E. Gray

There is interest at the Institute, expressed by faculty and alumni, and stoked by members of the Class of 1954, in creating an MIT Historical Society.

Our late colleague and former provost Walter Rosenblith used to say “MIT is so involved in creating the future that it pays little attention to its past.” President Hockfield has stated repeatedly that MIT is one of the best-kept secrets in American higher education. She has expressed enthusiasm to this writer about the desirability of an MIT Historical Society and about its relevance as we approach the Institute’s Sesquicentennial in 2011.

The mission of such a society is seen as: to research, promote, publicize and publish the history* of the contributions, achievements, and successes of MIT and its students, graduates, faculty, and staff in order to inspire future generations of MIT people.

The proposed MIT Historical Society will be funded through the active participation and support of interested and involved alumni.

Your comments, suggestions and expressions of interest in participating in this undertaking would be most welcome.

 *History: “…not a mere chronicle of events, but as a reflection of how ideas are born, cross-fertilize, and lead to innovation.”

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