Collections
Explore the gamut of MIT life, culture and creativity captured through the decades in films, images and interviews.
Collections include:
* ELEMENTAL MIT * MIT2016 INTERVIEWS *
* SYMPOSIA & CONFERENCES * FROM THE VAULT *
* MIT COMMENCEMENT ADDRESSES * MIT150 SYMPOSIA *
* MIT150 INTERVIEWS * MechE AT MIT *
* COMPUTERS THROUGH THE AGES *
* THE MOON AND MIT *
* ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE *
* NOBEL LAUREATES AT MIT *
* Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr. BREAKFAST CELEBRATION *
* MIT COMMENCEMENTS - FULL PROGRAMS *
* PROJECT ATHENA * LECTURE SERIES *
* MIT150 FILM SHORTS (Elemental MIT) *
* A Slice of “MIT SCIENCE REPORTER” *
* INSTITUTE EVENTS & CEREMONIES *
Elemental MIT
Steve Jobs, one of the computer industry’s foremost entrepreneurs, gives a wide-ranging talk to a group of MIT Sloan School of Management students in the spring of 1992.
At MIT's Mid-Century Convocation held in 1949—described as "an intellectual festival of monumental proportions"—Sir Winston Churchill gave a rousing keynote address titled Mid-Century Convocation on the Social Implications of Scientific Progress.
MIT Dept. of Architecture conference features keynote speaker Dr. Ted Landsmark on the position of black architects in the U.S., and also celebrates its own Robert R. Taylor, first black graduate of MIT (SB 1892).
Institute Professor Millie Dresselhaus provides an engaging introduction to the complex world of nanostructures, nanowires and thermoelectrics.
Pioneering political commentator, journalist and author Gwen Ifill delivers the event's keynote address, titled “Justice and Equality for All: America's Moral Dilemma."
Institute Professor Philip Morrison, renowned nuclear physicist, astronomer, filmmaker and public science figure, delivers a magical talk to MIT alumni during Technology Day in June 1994.
The Moon and MIT
Neil Armstrong and Bob Seamans recount experiences and challenges working on the Apollo Program, at the 25th annual Gardner Lecture on aeronautical history.
This TV program details the equipment necessary to keep a spacecraft going in the right direction and the challenges involved in that task.
This footage is a home movie taken by Major Alexander P. de Seversky of the Apollo 11 launch and of those who were present at the event.
This film depicts the preparation, launch and recovery of the Apollo spacecraft.
Apollo program participants reflect on the legacy and lessons of the Moon landing, forty years later.
MIT alum Joseph Gavin recounts his experiences as director of the Apollo Lunar Module program.
MIT2016 Interviews
Anant Agarwal describes growing up in India, his career at MIT and his work with CSAIL. He also talks about his lifelong goal of educating a billion people.
Cynthia Breazeal talks about her childhood love of robots, her career at MIT developing artificial intelligence and the commercial application of robotics in products such as Jibo.
Erich Caulfield talks about growing up in the South, "Nerd Pride" at MIT, and his career in consulting.
Marine biologist Sallie Chisholm talks about her connection to Wood Holes Oceanographic Institute, the discovery of Prochloroccus, and her experience writing children's books.
Henrietta Davis outlines the town/gown relationship between MIT and Cambridge, the history of affordable housing in the city and her experiences in city politics as the former mayor.
Erik Demaine describes his father’s impact on his education, his collaborative style of problem-solving and his love of origami.
From the Vault
This TV program examines the obstacles that face the Apollo Command Module upon its return to Earth and the science that will keep it intact.
This TV program explains the uses of nuclear reactors in scientific research and its implications for future industry.
This TV program demonstrates the abilities of the Lunar Excursion Module and the science behind its creation and use.
This documentary examines the life of Harold "Doc" Edgerton and his work with strobe photography to capture rapid motion on film.
This video is of the Victory and Science exhibition at MIT, a demonstration of World War II weapons and technology for the general public.
This TV program examines the difficulties of astronauts maintaining a healthy diet and the science behind eating in space.
MIT150 Symposia
Two MIT alumni deliver opening words for MIT150's Economics and Finance Symposium
The MIT150 symposium discussion on macroeconomics includes Esther Duflo, Peter Diamond, Robert Hall, Robert Solow and Daron Acemoglu.
Panel discussion about economic history
Panel discussion about economic policy and macroeconomics
Panel discussion about microeconomics
Dean David Schmittlein gives opening remarks for the next segment of the MIT150 Symposium on Economics and Finance
MIT150 Interviews
Harold Abelson speaks about his early life and education, interest in educational technology, and work in founding of OpenCourseWare.
Former MIT First Lady Rebecca Vest talks about her early life and her involvement with the MIT community.
Wolfgang Ketterle talks about his work in physics and the responsibility a scientist has in today's society.
William Mitchell speaks about growing up in the Australian bush and his work in architecture.
Bill Hecht talks about the role of alumni in the MIT community and his experiences with the Institute over the years.
MIT MechE Symposium: Mechanical Engineering and the Information Age, April 2000
Prof. Nam Suh, head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at MIT, opens the two-day symposium.
Mechanical engineers at MIT discuss topics including robotics, internet technologies and quantum computers as they relate to the information age.
Mechanical engineers at MIT discuss topics including quantified imaging, bio-informatics, IT in bioengineering and the Auto ID Center at MIT.
Mechanical engineers at MIT discuss topics including IT in engineering education, and the MIT-Singapore Alliance.
A. Neil Pappalardo ’64, founder and CEO of Medical Information Technology (MEDITECH), offers insights into the evolution and vision of his ground-breaking company that specializes in integrated clinical software for hospitals.
Mechanical engineers at MIT discuss topics including the MIT BioInstrumentation Lab, the NanoMedia Lab at MIT, and 3D optical imaging.
Lecture Series
Former Secretary of State for the UK David Milliband discusses the problems created by the War in Afghanistan and his hopes for its resolution.
His Excellency Paul Kagame delivers the Compton Lecture on Sept. 18, 2008.
Professor Mario J. Molina discusses the need for effective policy and communication to support the scientific studies of climate change.
Valerie Jarrett discusses the importance education, opportunities for all people and the steps needed to positively impact the economy.
Janet Napolitano discusses the importance of science in the many branches of public service, including national security, economic resilience, and politics.
Dr. Steven Chu discusses how different kinds of technologies and research are essential to combating future energy problems.
MIT Commencement Addresses
Former U.S. Representative Shirley Chisholm addresses MIT's graduating Class of 1984.
Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca delivers the commencement address to the MIT Class of 1985.
HP Computers co-founder Bill Hewlett shares some “random thoughts about creativity” with the graduating Class of 1986.
The co-founder and president of Digital Equipment Corporation reflects on how his experiences as an entrepreneur in the “world of elegant technology” have given him insights into the fundamental importance of work and one’s goals in work.
Prof. Giamatti takes inspiration from Milton to encourage his audience to maintain open dialogues, while sharing what he has learned, as former president of Yale University, about ways of communicating.
The Chairman of the Board of Regents of Higher Education of Massachusetts delivers the 123rd commencement address to graduating MIT students.
Energy, Environment, and Climate Change
Professors Michael Triantafyllou, Franz Hover and John Leonard talk about the important Ocean Engineering work happening at MIT.
Explorers of outer space, including Buzz Aldrin ScD '63, speak about the experiences they have had off-planet.
Richard Lester talks about the upside of using more nuclear energy, the Industrial Productivity Center, and more.
MIT Nobel Laureates Mario Molina and Eric Chivian address what they see as alarming environmental trends across the globe.
The MIT President and the Energy Research Council co-chair present the report resulting from the initial information-gathering phase of the MIT Energy Initiative.
Stanford Professor Stephen Schneider, MacArthur Fellow and ‘climate warrior,’ delivers the Kendall Memorial Lecture at MIT.
MIT150 Elemental MIT Shorts
A documentary that presents an exciting overview of MIT's changing public face and the growing diversity of its student body.
Teams of MIT students design robots that must be able to perform different tasks.
To celebrate the birthday of Albert Einstein, we turn to Professor Alan Lightman, best-selling author of Einstein's Dreams.
View the installation and unveiling of acclaimed artist Anish Kapoor's addition to the MIT Public Art collection.
This video highlights how an MIT-MGH collaboration in the 1970s led to the creation of artificial skin, a breakthrough in medical practices.
A Slice of "MIT Science Reporter"
This TV program demonstrates the abilities of the Lunar Excursion Module and the science behind its creation and use.
This TV program examines the obstacles that face the Apollo Command Module upon its return to Earth and the science that will keep it intact.
This TV program details the future of the National Magnetic Laboratory at MIT in the field of biomagnetics.
This TV program explains the uses of nuclear reactors in scientific research and its implications for future industry.
This TV program details the equipment necessary to keep a spacecraft going in the right direction and the challenges involved in that task.
This TV program examines the difficulties of astronauts maintaining a healthy diet and the science behind eating in space.
Nobel Laureates at MIT
Nobel Laureate Robert Solow reexamines his career in economics as both a professor and a policy adviser.
David Baltimore details the experiences in his youth that drew him to biology, the many medical applications of his research he has conducted, and his involvement in the Whitehead Institute and some of the challenges associated with its creation.
Paul Samuelson, often called the "Father of Modern Economics," was an Institute Professor at MIT, an economic adviser to President John F. Kennedy, and the author of one of the most influential economics textbooks of all time.
Richard Shrock talks about his personal contributions to experimental physics, some of the people he has worked with along the way and the usefulness of filmmaking for educational purposes.
One of the world's most eminent theoretical physicists, Frank Wilczek covers his upbringing in New York, his work that earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics and some of the benefits and drawbacks that come with such an accomplishment. He also discusses his time at MIT and his current projects.
Symposia and Conferences
The MIT Dean of Science, the LNS director and the conference chair open the anniversary symposium.
Victor ('Viki') Weisskopf, renowned for his contributions in the area of quantum electrodynamics, offers personal reminiscences on his life and work at MIT's LNS since its founding in 1946.
Bill Wallenmeyer, former director of the Division for High Energy Physics (HEP) at the U.S. Department of Energy, talks about working at the interface of science and government.
On the occasion of the 46th anniversary of MIT’s Laboratory for Nuclear Science, Prof. Alan Guth ofers a presenation on inflationary cosmology.
Institute Professor and Nobel Laureate Jerome I. Friedman offers a presentation on cutting-edge research in physics.
Prof. Henry Kendall presents a talk on his Nobel-prizing-winning work using electron beams to locate quarks.
Computers Through The Ages
Academics discuss whether they believe computers will be able to "think" on their own one day and their hopes for the future of that field of study.
This video shows a tour of Whirlwind I facilities at MIT, an early computer research center.
Jay W. Forrester speaks with Edward R. Murrow about MIT's Whirlwind computer facility.
Past Turing Award winners discuss their exceptional contributions to the world of computer science.
Speakers, including founder of the MIT Media Lab Nicholas Negroponte and director of the World Wide Web Consortium Tim Berners-Lee, talk about the importance of computers in society.
Marvin Minsky, known as the father of artificial intelligence, speaks about creating an entirely new field of study.
MIT Commencements - Full Programs
The 141st MIT graduation ceremonies held on June 8th, 2003 are shown in their entirety, including processions, speeches, conferral of degrees, and dispersal. MIT President Emeritus Charles M. Vest delivers the address.
The 140th MIT graduation ceremonies held on June 9th, 2006 are shown in their entirety, including processions, speeches, conferral of degrees, and dispersal. The address is delivered by MIT alum Ben Sholom Bernanke PhD ’79, 14th Chairman of the Federal Reserve.
The 139th MIT graduation ceremonies are shown in their entirety, including processions, speeches, conferral of degrees, and dispersal. MIT alum Irwin M. Jacobs delivers the address, on his experiences as an engineering entrepreneur.
The 138th MIT graduation ceremonies held on June 3rd, 2004 are shown in their entirety, including processions, speeches, conferral of degrees, and dispersal.
The 137th MIT graduation ceremonies held on June 9th, 2003 are shown in their entirety, including processions, speeches, conferral of degrees, and dispersal.
Project Athena
Session speakers include Joe Bowbeer, Branko J. Gerovac and David C. Carter, moderated by Bob Scheifler.
Session speakers include Peter Doyle and Philip Gust.
Session speakers include Andrew J. Palay, Ann Mei Chang, Hania Gajewska and Kurt Hoyt.
Session speakers include Richard Carling, Michael Urban and C. Douglas Blewett.
Session speakers include Steve Lehrman (opening remarks), Jim Gettys, Dan Dikeman and Christopher Burdorf.
Session speakers include Lawrence A. Rowe and Greg Coleman.
Institute Events & Ceremonies
Susan Hockfield becomes MIT's 16th president and announces a global energy initiative, on May 6, 2005.
MIT's 15th president is formally inaugurated on May 10th, 1991, with several former Institute presidents in attendance.
Paul Edward Gray SB '54, SM '55, ScD '60 shares a sober, humane and challenging vision for MIT in his inaugural speech as MIT’s 14th President, on Sept. 26, 1980.
This undated b-&-w video compilation, likely prepared in conjunction with Jerome Wiesner’s inauguration as MIT’s 13th president, touches on Wiesner’s life as humanist, scientist and statesman.
Susan Hockfield is announced as the institution's next leader.
Dr. Hockfield — the first woman, and first life scientist, to helm the Institute — is introduced by the MIT Corporation.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Celebration at MIT
The 2nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration features a prayer, a musical performance and a speech by Walter J. Leonard.
Honorable A. Leon Higginbotham, jurist and legal scholar, presents the keynote address at MIT's annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Four students talk about the youth perspective on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Benjamin Hooks delivers the keynote speech.
The Honorable Margaret A. Burnham, renowned civil and human rights attorney, delivers the keynote address at MIT's 18th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. William H. Gray III, Democratic congressman, minister and President and CEO of the United Negro College Fund, presents the keynote address at the 1993 celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mrs. Coretta Scott King delivers a powerful and inspiring speech on the legacy and future of Dr. King’s vision for social and economic justice.
