About the Landmarks Program

Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmarks are existing artifacts or systems representing a significant mechanical engineering technology. They generally are the oldest extant, last surviving examples typical of a period, or they are machines with some unusual distinction.

Landmarks, sites and collections of historic importance to mechanical engineering are designated by ASME through its History and Heritage Landmarks Program. Landmark status indicates that the artifact, site or collection represents a significant step forward in the evolution of mechanical engineering and is the best known example of its kind. A plaque is presented for display, a commemorative brochure is prepared, and a roster is kept to promote long-term recognition and preservation efforts.

The breadth of our mechanical engineering heritage is evident in the landmarks program. Nearly 250 landmarks have been designated since the program began in 1971.The landmarks program also includes:

• Mechanical Engineering Heritage Sites, or particular locales at which some event or development occurred or which some machine, building, or complex of significance occupied.
• Mechanical Engineering Heritage Collections,which refers to a museum or collection that includes related objects of special significance to, but not necessarily a major evolutionary step in, the historical development of mechanical engineering.

At this time the Landmark program is not accepting any new submissions.