In May 1934, renowned bridge engineer David Steinman called together four engineering organizations to discuss the formation of a new national engineering society. Representatives of those organizations—the New Jersey Association of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, the New York State Society of Professional Engineers, the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers and the Connecticut Society of Professional Engineers—met at the Columbia University Club in New York City on May 25 and decided to form a new, nontechnical organization that would be dedicated to the interests of licensed professional engineers.
A little over three months later, on September 3, the National Society of Professional Engineers was officially formed. In a keynote address, Steinman, who had been elected president, spoke of protecting engineers from unqualified practitioners, building recognition for engineers, and standing against unethical practices and inadequate compensation.
"Through membership and active participation in NSPE," Steinman said, "the individual engineer renders his contribution toward making engineering a better and more satisfying profession than he found it."
75 Years of Professional Excellence
Watch this twelve-minute anniversary presentation or download a PDF (16 MB).
©2009 Published by the National Society of Professional Engineers
NSPE Celebrates 75 Years (March 2009 PE)
A look at some other engineering news from the year NSPE was founded. >>
Through the Years: An NSPE Time Line 1934–present
Review what NSPE has done over the years from 1934 to present. >>
In 1934 ...
A look at some other engineering news from the year NSPE was founded. >>
What the National Society of Professional Engineers Can Accomplish
(January 1935, The American Engineer) >>
By D.B. Steinman, P.E., NSPE Founding President
75th Anniversary Guest Book
Leave your thoughts on NSPE's years of service to the engineering profession. >>
From the Video Archive
Watch this five-minute video on NSPE's history, produced in celebration of the Society's 60th anniversary in 1994.
Play: High quality video (400 kbs) | Lower quality video (100 kbs)
NSPE Past Presidents (From 1935 to present) >>
