[Printout | Contents | Search ]

ENIAC Golden Anniversary events

The detailed calendar of events planned for the 18-month long celebration of the ENIAC and the birth of the information age is available on the Penn Web (http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/releases/1996/Q1/ENIAC/ENIAC-Calendar.html.). Here is a brief look at some of the events scheduled for February and March.

[Note: The ENIAC calendar has changed since Penn Printout went to press. The calendar below was updated on 2/12/96, but please check the Penn Web page for additional updates.]

Computer Technology in Art exhibition
February 2-25
"In and Out of the Box," a presentation of two- and three-dimensional works that utilize computer technology. Nexus Foundation for Today's Art, 137 N. 2nd Street. Information: Anne Raman (215/629-1103).

ENIAC 50th anniversary exhibition
February 8-13
"From Vacuum Tubes to Microchips" at the Shops at Liberty Place, 16th and Market Streets. Information: Expert Events (215/724-6644).

Institute of Contemporary Art exhibition
February 10 - April 14
"Withershins," an interactive installation by video artist Gary Hill celebrating the impact of computers and information technology on art and culture. Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania, 36th and Sansom Streets. Information: Wendy Steinber (215/898-7108).

IBM's Deep Blue versus Garry Kasparov
February 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, and 17 at 3 PM
The chess tournament between World Chess Federation Champion Garry Kasparov and IBM's Deep Blue computer. Sponsored by ACM. Pennsylvania Convention Center. Information: (800/342-6626).

ResNet's Movie Week
February 11-17 at 10:00 PM
"Binary Analogues: Computers on the Silver Screen," on the ResNet movie channel (channel 11 on the Penn Video Network), a series of seven films featuring computers and computing. Information: http://www.upenn.edu/video/eniac/.

ACM Computing Week '96
February 14-20
ACM, the first society in computing, celebrates its 50th anniversary. Information: http://www.acm.org/ conferences/computing_week/.

ENIAC 50th anniversary day events
February 14
9:30-11:30 AM and 1:30-4 PM: Educational Technology Showcase featuring Penn faculty, students, and staff demonstrating locally developed, state-of-the-art projects. Houston Hall, Bodek Lounge.

11:50 AM-12:30 PM: ENIAC 50th anniversary day speech by Vice President Al Gore. Irvine Auditorium, University of Pennsylvania, 34th and Spruce Streets.

1-1:30 PM: ENIAC reactivation with Vice President Al Gore and other dignitaries. A reactivation of part of the original ENIAC, exactly 50 years after it was first unveiled to the public. Moore Building, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, 33rd and Walnut Streets.

1-2:30 PM: "ENIAC in Context," the first session of the ACM History Program, deals with the development of the ENIAC within the social, cultural, and intellectual environment of its time. Philadelphia Marriott, 12th and Market Streets.

3-4:30 PM: "ENIAC's Legacies," the second session of the ACM History Program, deals with the significant hardware and software developments of the past 50 years, as well as the people involved. Philadelphia Marriott, 12th and Market Streets.

6:30-10:00 PM: A "Celebration Honoring the Creation of Modern Computing" features announcements of the 1996 Bower Award winners, the 1996 ACM Alan M. Turing Award winner, and a commemorative stamp celebrating the birth of computing during a reception and dinner at the Philadelphia Marriott, 12th and Market Streets. Information: Greater Philadelphia First (215/575-2200).

Philadelphia Museum of Art exhibit
March 17 - May 26
"New Art on Paper II 1899-1995," a collection of the work of new artists includes those using computers in their work. Acquired with funds from the Hunt Manufacturing Co. Information: Peg Mooney (215/763-8100).

International Literacy Conference
February 14-16
"Adult Learning and Technology in OECD Contries," sponsored by the National Center on Adult Literacy, University of Pennsylvania. Information: Chris Hopey (215/898-2100).

American Music Theater Festival
March 20-24
"CrossWaves '96" highlights the use of new technologies in theater art. Annenberg Center, 36th and Walnut Streets. Information: Nicole Borrelli (215/893-1570).