Commemorative Plaques: Instruments of Public History, Belonging, and Inclusion [Women to Watch]

May 16, 2025 by David G Michelson

Many organizations make commemorative plaques a key part of their public history efforts. The first modern commemorative plaque program was established by the Royal Society of Arts in 1866 based on a proposal presented to the U.K. Parliament by William Ewart MP and Henry Cole in 1863. Administered by London County Council from 1903 to 1965, Greater London Council from 1965 to 1986, and English Heritage since 1986 [1], the Blue Plaque program has served, either directly or indirectly, as the model for the countless other commemorative plaque or historical marker programs that operate throughout the world, including those conducted by IEEE and its sister Societies.

For more about this article see link below.

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10975087

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IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine is the first magazine to focus on issues facing women who study or work in IEEE’s fields of interest.

IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine strives to recognize women’s outstanding achievements in electrical and electronics engineering as well as enhance networking and to promote membership in IEEE Women in Engineering.

The publication also advocates for women in leadership roles and career advancement for women in STEM professions, and it facilitates the development of programs and activities that promote the entry into and retention of women in engineering programs.

Madelyn Flickinger: Creating connections in medicine

Last summer, as 21-year-old Madelyn Flickinger and her fellow panelists prepared to share their experiences as transplant recipients, donors, and caregivers at the American Transplant Congress, they wondered whether medical professionals would take the time to sit in on a patient-led panel. By the time the presentation started, though, there were nearly a hundred people in the audience. Every seat was taken. People lined the back walls.

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