Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics traces its roots to the Department of Mechanic Arts. As one of the eleven founding departments of the Drexel Institute in 1892, it offered courses in machine construction and mechanical drawing. In 1902, Mechanical Engineering was part of the Department of Science and Technology, which was later named the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. In 1906, the Departments of Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering became the School of Engineering.
At the time this photograph was taken of the members of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (1921), "The Engineering School was well embarked upon its cooperative plan, with good prospects for the future. The faculty was composed of young men with sound experience in engineering education, all in close touch with the latest developments in the engineering field." (As described by Edward D. McDonald and Edward M. Hinton in Drexel Institute of Technology 1891-1941, p. 177). ASME offers more information on the history and heritage of Mechanical Engineering.
Generations of graduates have built a legacy of impact in engineering and society and continue to make their mark, including pioneering NASA engineers and three shuttle astronauts, faculty at leading institutions, federal senior executive service professionals in energy and defense, leaders of global manufacturers and suppliers of electrical components, connectors, and systems, bearings, electronics packaging, and of the auto industry and other innovators and entrepreneurs.
Local Historic Sites
Learn more about the history of Mechanical Engineering by visiting these local ASME designated historic sites:
Fairmount Water Works, Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, PA
U.S.S. Olympia, Penns Landing
Philadelphia, PA
Brandywine River Powder Mills
Wilmington, DE