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When you think of technology, Silicon Valley, computer scientists, and engineers, what is the gender that first comes to mind? Typically, it's men. This perception is not just a stereotype but a reflection of the historical narrative that has predominantly highlighted male contributions, often overshadowing the significant roles women have played in the development of technology. This exhibit aims to challenge these perceptions by exploring the crucial yet often unrecognized contributions of women throughout technological history.

Despite their critical involvement and undeniable capability, women in technology have often been perceived as less competent than their male counterparts and marginalized in the narratives of technological progress. They have been stereotyped as unsuitable for what has traditionally been labeled as "men’s work," such as engineering or technical roles. This exhibit seeks to dismantle these myths by demonstrating, through historical evidence, that women are equally capable in these fields.

From the very beginning of the technological revolution, women have played pivotal roles, yet their contributions have frequently been overlooked or minimized. This includes their vital work during World War II on systems like ENIAC and their foundational efforts in the development of early computing technology. Moreover, women have consistently been at the forefront of advocating for equal rights and opportunities within the tech industry, significantly shaping the field in ways that are seldom acknowledged.

The names of these women and the technologies they developed might not be familiar yet, but this exhibit aims to change that. Today, we see technology as straightforward and user-friendly, but reaching this point was anything but simple. The first "computers" were massive machines that filled entire rooms, and it was primarily women who managed these colossal technologies. They navigated complex arrays of hundreds of wires, meticulously configuring them for each required task. Despite their critical roles, it is often men who are remembered and celebrated for these technological achievements.

This exhibit aims to focus upon technology's forgotten heroes, highlighting their vital but often neglected contributions to the larger story of technical advancement. Our objective with this investigation is to identify and honour the actual innovators of the profession, ensuring that their stories are not only recognized but also honoured.

Under the overarching theme of "Forgotten Heroes: Exposing Women's Roles in the Computing Revolution," this exhibition takes a deep dive into diverse historical contexts to highlight the profound impact women have had on, and been influenced by, technological advancements. From the eugenics movement in the early 20th century to the postwar era, women encountered systemic biases and often found themselves confined to undervalued and underpaid roles, despite their remarkable skills and innovations. This exploration draws insights from various scholarly works, including Amy Sue Bix's study on ERO field-workers, Jennifer S. Light's research on women's contributions to ENIAC, Cook's analysis of the societal impact of the Gutenberg Printing Press, Marx's examination of the labor dynamics behind logarithm tables, and Joy Rohde's discussion on the human involvement in plugboard computing.

Moving through time, the exhibition highlights key objects that represent women's contributions to technical advancement. From the ‘revolutionary’ Gutenberg Printing Press in the 15th century to the rise of online communities such as GenderNet in the late twentieth century, each item represents women's perseverance, innovation, and long-lasting effect in technology.

In Group 1, artifacts such as De Prony's Pyramid and Morse Code exemplify the multifaceted roles women played in early technological advancements, highlighting their significant, yet often overlooked contributions. Group 2 dives into the mid-20th century, showcasing women's pivotal roles in operating the Colossus Computer during World War II and their integral involvement in early computing systems like ENIAC. Finally, Group 3 explores the late 20th century to the present, featuring artifacts such as documentation of online communities like GenderNet and Joy Buolamwini's powerful spoken word poem "AI, Ain't I a Woman?" Each artifact underscores the ongoing struggle for equality and challenges gender biases in technology.

Welcome to "Forgotten Heroes: Exposing Women's Roles in the Computing Revolution," where the voices of women in technology are finally heard and celebrated. It's important to note that our focus extends beyond just women; we also shine a light on the experiences of women of color, who faced unique challenges in gaining acceptance within technological fields. For many black individuals, especially black women, the advent of computers, and personal computers in particular, represented a significant turning point. As Gibbons (2022) notes, these individuals saw the computer as a pathway to professional recognition, a chance to be valued for their contributions.

It is critical to investigate the larger implications of the accessibility and inclusivity of computer training modules, particularly in light of the rise of personal computers, which provided both new possibilities and problems for marginalized populations.  We must examine the fundamental concepts that guide the creation of these guides, as well as the perspectives from which they are derived. Are these resources intended to meet the different needs and standpoints of individuals, including people of colour and women? Furthermore, do those outside of these oppressed groups actively pursue and appreciate these chances on an equal basis? These are complex concerns that require careful consideration as we work to create a more fair landscape in the technology industry.

By revisiting these often overlooked contributions, our exhibition aims to lay the groundwork for a more equitable future in the field of technology. It's crucial to critically examine who receives recognition for technological advancements and how these narratives are constructed. Our goal extends beyond mere acknowledgment; we strive to uncover the broader societal implications of persistent gender biases throughout history.

We invite visitors to engage in discussions about who deserves credit for technological progress and to confront the profound societal implications of gender bias.

Bibliography:

Abbate, J., & Dick, S. (Eds.). (2022). Abstractions and embodiments: New histories of computing and society. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Bix, A. S. (1997). Experiences and voices of eugenics field-workers: `women’s work’ in biology. Social Studies of Science, 27(4), 625–668. https://doi.org/10.1177/030631297027004003

Cook, S. D. (1996). Technological revolutions and the Gutenberg myth. Internet Dreams: Archetypes, Myths, and Metaphors, 67-82.

Hicks, M. (2017). 1 war machines: Women’s computing work and the underpinnings of the data-driven state, 1930–1946. In Programmed Inequality: How Britain Discarded Women Technologists and Lost Its Edge in Computing (pp. 19–57). MIT Press. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7904124/

Light, J. S. (1999). When computers were women. Technology and Culture, 40(3), 455–483. https://doi.org/10.1353/tech.1999.0128

Marx, K. (2000). PART IV: PRODUCTION OF RELATIVE SURPLUS-VALUE. In Marx's Capital. Electric Book Company.

Rohde, J. (2017). Pax technologica: Computers, international affairs, and human reason in the cold war. Isis, 108(4), 792–813. https://doi.org/10.1086/69567

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Welcome to the exploration of technological innovations from the 15th to the 19th century. This section explores pivotal advancements that revolutionized communication, computation, and societal structures. From the “invention” of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg to the development of Morse Code for telegraphy, each artifact reveals not only the transformative power of technology but also the societal dynamics and gender biases inherent in its evolution. Join in as we uncover the overlooked contributions and challenges faced by women in the early stages of technological innovation, shedding light on the broader implications of gender bias in technology throughout history.

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The Gutenberg Printing Press, invented around 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg in Germany, mechanized the transfer of ink to print media like paper or cloth, igniting the Printing Revolution. (Wikipedia, “Printing Press”, accessed April 17, 2024)

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The Gutenberg Printing Press revolutionized mass communication and laid the groundwork for modern information dissemination. However, as Cook highlights, it also reflected gender biases and widened disparities such as illiteracy, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups’ access to education (Cook, 'Technological Revolutions and the Gutenberg Myth'). This artifact underscores the often overlooked challenges faced by women during the early stages of technological innovation.

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In 1791, Prony embarked on the task of producing logarithmic and trigonometric tables for the French Cadastre (geographic survey). The tables were vast, calculating logarithms from 1 to 200,000, with values calculated to between fourteen and twenty-nine decimal place (which Prony recognized was excessively precise). (Wikipedia, “Gaspard de Prony”, accessed April 17, 2024) (Photo sourced from week 4 lecture slides on Canvas)

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Logarithm tables were essential mathematical aids for complex computations. Marx's examination of the division of mental labor sheds light on the socio-economic factors driving their creation, revealing the overlooked contributions of labor (Charles Babbage, “On the Division of Mental Labor”). This artifact underscores the historical evolution of computation tools and their impact on scientific and technological progress.

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In the 1820s, inspired by Adam Smith, Gaspard Riche de Prony in France created a three-tiered pyramid of logarithm calculators: top mathematicians, middle algebraists translating rules, and bottom workers performing arithmetic. (Silicon Reckoner, “Cantor’s paradise is a place where nothing ever happens”, accessed April 17, 2024)

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De Prony's pyramid enabled precise logarithmic calculations, which were necessary for early engineering and science. Marx argues that such tool not only increased output but also exploited underprivileged populations, notably women, by extending work hours and taking advantage of their labour. This artifact exemplifies the dual character of technological progress: enhancing efficiency while increasing gender-based exploitation.

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American Morse Code — also known as Railroad Morse—is the latter-day name for the original version of the Morse Code developed in the mid-1840s, by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail for their electric telegraph. (Wikipedia, “American Morse code”, accessed April 17, 2024)

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Morse Code, crucial in 19th-century railway telegraphy, exemplifies early advances in rapid communication. Predominantly operated by women, it highlights their significant, yet often overlooked role in these technologies. This aligns with the exhibit's theme of recognizing forgotten pioneers, akin to Henkin's analysis of the postal network’s transformation, which facilitated connections and migrations, similarly fueled by the railroad's expansion (David Henkin, “Becoming Postal”).

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Step into the era of the early to mid-20th century, where technological advancements accelerated amidst global conflict and social change. This group explores key innovations such as the Colossus Computer and ENIAC, highlighting the vital role of women in shaping early computing. From the pioneering efforts of codebreakers operating Colossus to the revolutionary impact of ENIAC in scientific research, each artifact illuminates the often-overlooked contributions of women in the computing revolution. Experience the history as we uncover the hidden narratives of gender bias and challenge historical misconceptions surrounding technological progress.

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Colossus was a set of computers developed by British codebreakers in the years 1943–1945 to help in the cryptanalysis of the Lorenz cipher. (Wikipedia, “Colossus computer”, accessed April 18, 2024).

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The Colossus Computer, operated by women (Wrens) during WWII, underscores the significant contributions of women to early computing (Mar Hicks, "War Machines: Women's Work and the Underpinnings of the Data-Driven State, 1930-1946”). Despite their pivotal role, historical recognition has often overshadowed their contributions in favor of figures like Alan Turing, emphasizing the need to acknowledge their vital involvement."

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A plugboard or control panel (the term used depends on the application area) is an array of jacks or sockets (often called hubs) into which patch cords can be inserted to complete an electrical circuit. Control panels are sometimes used to direct the operation of unit record equipment, cipher machines, and early computers (Wikipedia, “Plugboard”, accessed April 18, 2024).

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Before ENIAC and other advanced systems, women were vital in plugboard computing, as seen in this 1940s image. Their expertise laid the groundwork for later developments, reflecting the crucial human involvement in early computational endeavors. This aligns with Rohde's discussion on human judgment's continued importance despite technological advancements like EWAMS (Joy Rohde, "Pax Technologica").

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ENIAC was the first programmable, electronic, general-purpose digital computer, completed in 1945. ENIAC was designed by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert to calculate artillery firing tables for the United States Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory (which later became a part of the Army Research Laboratory). (Wikipedia, “ENIAC”, accessed April 18, 2024).

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This artifact highlights the vital contributions of women in operating the ENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic computer. Drawing on Jennifer Light's research, it showcases how women were not just participants but essential figures in the early days of computing. Their work with ENIAC challenges longstanding gender stereotypes and vividly illustrates the critical role women played in the dawn of the digital age.

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Welcome to the exploration of technological advancements from the late 20th century to the present day. In this group, we navigate the digital landscape, examining the emergence of online communities, the digital divide, and the intersection of technology with social hierarchies and gender roles. From pioneering online forums like GenderNet to contemporary discussions on AI and facial recognition technology, each artifact provides insight into the ongoing struggle for equality in the digital age. Join us as we unravel the complexities of technological innovation and its profound impact on society, prompting critical reflections on the path toward inclusivity and equality.

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On January 1, 1984, the first BBS for the “gender community,” GenderNet, went “live.” GenderNet was sponsored by the Gateway Gender Alliance, a California-based non-profit with a small handful of chapters across the US from 1983-1986, when it ceased operations (Queer Digital History Project, “GenderNet: 1984-1989”, accessed April 18, 2024).

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Early online forums, captured in screenshots, mark the genesis of virtual communities empowering marginalized voices. Yet, they also reflect societal inequalities, echoing Fred Turner's insights on digital technologies. GenderNet, founded in 1984, provided sanctuary for the gender community, fostering support and belonging. These images depict the empowerment of marginalized voices and the ongoing battle against societal injustices in digital realms.

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The digital divide, commonly understood as the gap between information and communications technology (ICT) ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’, has emerged as an important issue of our times largely due to the uneven diffusion of the Internet (Statistics Canada, “Unveiling the Digital Divide”, accessed April 18, 2024).

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This artifact includes late 20th-century reports and scholarly articles discussing the digital divide—unequal access to modern technologies based on socioeconomic status, race, gender, and geography (Statistics Canada, “Unveiling the Digital Divide”). It connects this gap to the exhibition's exploration of technological progress, social hierarchies, and gender roles, prompting reflections on achieving equality in the digital era.

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In a video less than four minutes long, titled “AI, Ain’t I a Woman,” Buolamwini presented her research on facial recognition technology to a powerful spoken word poem (The Forum, ““AI, Ain’t I a Woman:” The Gendered Lens of Facial Recognition Technology”, accessed April 18, 2024). 

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Joy Buolamwini's "AI, Ain't I a Woman?" sheds light on gender biases in AI, echoing the exhibit's exploration of tech advancements intersecting with social hierarchies and gender roles. It underscores the ongoing struggle for equality, aligning with our theme of highlighting forgotten heroes and challenging gender bias in technology.

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Joy Buolamwini, AI, Aint I a Woman?  Vision & Justice  Radcliffe Institute

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This grouping explores the diverse forms of labor throughout the years influenced by technology, particularly spotlighting the roles of women and marginalized groups. From the essential wartime computing contributions of women operating ENIAC to the labor division exemplified by De Prony’s Pyramid in logarithmic calculations, each artifact underscores the nuanced dynamics within technological workforces. Additionally, Plugboard Computing reflects the manual labor undertaken by women in early computational devices, laying the groundwork for future advancements. Finally, the discussion on the digital divide highlights the socio-economic and gender-based disparities in accessing and benefiting from digital technologies, revealing a stark division in the technological landscape. Overall, these artifacts collectively shed light on how women, often at the forefront of technological tasks, faced overlooked contributions and challenges, emphasizing the need for recognition and equity in the realm of technology.

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The cross-sectional theme of infrastructure sheds light on the foundational systems that have shaped the modern world. From Morse Code to the Printing Press and Logarithms Tables, these artifacts represent the infrastructures of our past that continue to influence technology today. However, long stablished gender biases have persisted, undervaluing women's contributions and labor. This historical perception of women's work as less challenging or inferior to men's has perpetuated gender bias structures, which still affect various aspects of society. Despite advancements, these biases persist, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and challenging gender disparities in technology and beyond.

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The theme of ‘Systems of Control’ which goes across sections examines the many ways in which technology has been employed to enforce and dispute control, ranging from information manipulation to labour hierarchy. From the Colossus Computer's codebreaking skill during WWII to Joy Buolamwini's emotional examination of AI prejudice, these artifacts demonstrate the complex interplay between technology and power dynamics. De Prony's Pyramid and talks on the digital divide highlight how technology changes societal roles and access, frequently reinforcing existing hierarchies. By evaluating these systems, we face a false belief that technology alone can address societal inequities, instead understanding its capacity to either reinforce or challenge societal power structures.