Wilkes-Barre in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Birthplace of the AIME

125th Anniversary of AIME

— 1871 • 1996 —

Birthplace of the AIME Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 2, 2018

1. Birthplace of the AIME Marker

Inscription. On May 16, 1871, eight men from Wilkes-Barre, 11 other Pennsylvanians, and three New Yorkers - all professional mining and metallurgical engineers - gathered in Wilkes-Barre to discuss "two great objectives: First, the more economical production of the useful minerals and metals. Second, the greater safety and welfare of those employed in the industries." The result of this meeting was the formation of one of the first great U.S. professional societies in engineering - the American Institute of Mining Engineers (AIME), which would subsequently become known as the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers. Today as in 1871, the Institute exists to provide a forum for members to exchange and solicit views and insights, visit great industrial centers, and disseminate technical information. The Institute now comprises four individual societies - the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration; The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society; the Iron & Steel Society; and the Society of Petroleum Engineers - which have combined international memberships of approximately 100,000 professional and student

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members.

Presented May 16, 1996,
in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of
the American Institute of
Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers.

Erected 1996.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is May 16, 1871.

Location. 41° 14.769′ N, 75° 52.923′ W. Marker is in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in Luzerne County. It can be reached from Public Square. Marker is near the NW corner of the Public Square, in downtown. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilkes Barre PA 18701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Region

and in the Wyoming Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen

Markers near the NW Corner of Public Square image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr.

2. Markers near the NW Corner of Public Square

Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Birthplace of HBO (here, next to this marker); America's First Jazz Festival (here, next to this marker); The Fine Arts Fiesta (here, next to this marker); Public Square Park (here, next to this marker); AIME (here, next to this marker); Fort Wilkes Barre 1778 (here, next to this marker); Old Ship Zion Church Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilkes-Barre Fort (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilkes-Barre.

Also see . . .
1. American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers: About Us. (Submitted on May 4, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. AIME Overview for 140th Anniversary by 2010-2011 President DeAnn Craig (YouTube). (Submitted on May 4, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 541 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 4, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.