Through exposure to a broad spectrum of human experience in the past and present, a person can better understand the relationship of one's work to others and to the structure of society

• Enhance technological literacy
• Highlight the role technology has played in developing a nation (creating a realistic image of engineering)
• Help students make career choices (especially those unfamiliar with engineering)
• Foster a positive image of technology and the engineer's value to civilization
• Identify and support public education events and activities that help tell the engineering story
• Reach new audiences, new groups beyond the engineering community

Why is history important?
The challenge of history is addressed by historian Bruce Sinclair in ASME's Centennial History.  His postscript is Writing ASME's History: A Postscript, which is well worth a read.

Some opinions (quotes) from engineers:  Why engineers are involved in the discipline of history?