AIME celebrates 145th Anniversary

May 16 marked the 145th anniversary of the founding of the American Institute of Mining Engineers (AIME), SPE’s parent organization.

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Monday, May 16 marked the 145th anniversary of the founding of the American Institute of Mining Engineers (AIME), SPE’s parent organization. A luncheon was held at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The local Pennsylania Anthracite section of the Society of Mining Engineers (SME) was able to get the state to recognize the spot nearby where AIME held its first meeting on that day back in 1871 at the former Wyoming Valley Hotel.

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The festivities were kicked off by local folk balladeer, Jay Smar. Then, Past Chair of SME’s PA Anthracite Section, Michael Korb, and Secretary-Treasurer, Brian Traweek spoke.  They turned things over to Current Chair, John Mack, and AIME President (and TMS Past President), Garry Warren. Remarks from each of AIME’s 4 Member Societies were made by SME President, Tim Arnold, TMS Executive Director, Jim Robinson, AIME Executive Director, Michele Lawrie-Munro, on AIST’s behalf since they were at their annual conference in Pittsburgh, and SPE Board Member, Bob Garland. 2012 AIME President (and SME Past President), George Luxbacher, shared his knowledge about the history of the organization, while incoming AIME President (and SME Past President), Nikhil Trivedi, closed out the function with a champagne toast and presentation of a statue to Mike Korb for all of his hard work to apply for the marker and organize and publicize the event.

A unch with an AIME-logoed cake and souvenir glasses was followed by a walk to the founding site where a some lunch speeches were replicated, history was added by Eckley Miners Village Site Administrator, Bode Morin, declarations were presented by local officials, and the marker was unveiled.  Local media was onhand to cover the historical event. 

photo gallery of the dedication and additional detal can be found on AIME's website.