IEEE Boston Section Spring Social and Awards Reception

At this reception, we will recognize all IEEE levels from Fellows to section awards to all Boston Section recipients.

Members of the section and their families and friends are invited to attend.

Pre-registration is required. Please register at:

http://www.ieeeboston.org/Register/ and select, “spring social” from the list of activities or email ieeebostonsection@gmail.com or call 781-245-5405.

Guest Speaker: John Horrigan

“Early American Roads”

By the time journalist John L. O’Sullivan, wrote an article in 1845 declaring to the citizens of the United States that it was “our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions”, construction of the first macadamized road in the United States had already begun. The migration westward was dramatically increasing as settlers headed into uncharted territories throughout the wild west, in search of fertile land and a better way of life. They followed ancient Native American game trails and cattle paths that were unsuitable for wagons, given their mud-filled gullies and rock-bound surfaces. Smooth, continuous and more direct routes were needed to accommodate more wagon trains, substantially reduce travel times and allow for rapid expansion of our nation. Eventually, the proliferation of automobiles made it necessary to develop a comprehensive system of asphalt thoroughfares and avenues.

Join five-time Boston/New England Emmy Award-winning folklorist John Horrigan as he presents a chronological survey of America’s early roads, canals and thoroughfares, including the Natchez Trace, the Mohawk Trail, Boston Post Road, the Old Connecticut Path, the Wilderness Road, the National Road, the Erie Canal, Route 66 and modern-day I-90.