About
What is "Infinite History"
Much has been written about the MIT gestalt. But to really understand this quirky, collaborative, dynamic meritocracy, you have to listen to the students, faculty, alumni, and community leaders who give it its distinctive character. En masse these videos create a vivid portrait of an institution that is continually changing the way we live and work. This website pulls together conversations, discussions, interviews, and archival footage that will enrich your knowledge of this frontier called MIT.
Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics Jeffrey Hoffman was an astronaut from 1978-1997. Here, he repairs the Hubble Space Telescope in 1993.
What you'll see
- History as it’s happening — Travel back and watch archival footage from pivotal moments in MIT history, including demonstrations of scientific breakthroughs.
- Whimsical ingenuity — Watch renowned hacks or unforgettable events—like the legendary 2.70 robotics contest—as they unfolded in their own time.
- Landmark lectures — Take a seat in past classrooms and auditoriums across campus and watch historic lectures like the James R. Killian and Karl Taylor Compton lectures and the MIT 150 symposia.
- Professors in their own words — Learn more about your favorite MIT professors by hearing them talk about the issues they’re passionate about.
- Rich discussions — Listen in as our interviewers engage in lively conversations with members of the MIT and Cambridge communities.
Who you’ll meet
The MIT Infinite History project team, in partnership with ODL-MIT Video Productions, has collected an unprecedented archive of lectures, conversations, and encounters. Here’s who you’ll meet:
- MIT150 Infinite History interviews — faculty, staff, alumni, and administrative leaders who have shaped the Institute’s evolution.
- MIT100 Infinite History interviews — prominent MIT faculty and administrators, MacArthur fellows, a National Medal of Science recipient, and civic leaders.
- MIT150 Symposia — faculty and Institute leaders delving into topics of pressing interest to the MIT community.
- From the Vault — MIT legends, famous visitors, and students engaged in iconic activities in archival footage dating back to the 1920s.
- and more—distinguished guests speaking at prestigious lecture series, commencement, and Institute celebrations.
How it all works
Thanks to a team of creative MIT alumni at 3Play Media, the video on this site is interactive and infinitely searchable. Sort videos by category to look for topics of particular interest. Search the transcripts for each video by keyword as you watch. You then can click on any word to jump to that point in the video.
What’s next
Like MIT itself, the Infinite History site is in a continual state of growth and change, so check back often to see new interviews and old treasures.
Computers Through The Ages
MIT faculty and researchers discuss the evolution and future impact of computer technologies.
Commencement Addresses
Listen to the wise words of previous Commencement speakers.
Energy, Environment, and Climate Change
See what experts at MIT have to say about the ocean, global warming, and more.
A Slice of "MIT Science Reporter"
Watch full episodes of MIT Science Reporter, a show produced in the 1960s by MIT and WGBH.
