Marlyn Meltzer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marlyn Meltzer
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Marlyn Meltzer
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| Born | 1922 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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| Died | December 7, 2008 (aged 86) Yardley, Pennsylvania
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Temple University |
| Occupation | Computer Programmer |
| Employer | Moore School of Electrical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania |
| Honours | Women in Technology International Hall of Fame |
Marlyn Wescoff Meltzer (born 1922, died 2008) was an amazing computer programmer. She was one of the first six people to program ENIAC. ENIAC was the very first electronic digital computer that could do many different jobs.
The other five pioneering women were Kathleen Antonelli, Jean Bartik, Betty Holberton, Frances Spence, and Ruth Teitelbaum.
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Early Life and Work
Marlyn Wescoff was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She finished her studies at Temple University in 1942.
Soon after, she started working at the Moore School of Engineering. Her first job was to calculate weather data. She was good at this because she knew how to use an adding machine.
In 1943, she began calculating paths for bullets and rockets. Back then, people used manual desktop calculators for these complex tasks.
Programming the ENIAC
In 1945, Marlyn was chosen for a very special project. She became one of the six original programmers for the ENIAC.
What Was ENIAC?
ENIAC was a giant machine, much bigger than computers today. It had many black panels and switches. Inside, it contained thousands of vacuum tubes and other parts.
It weighed more than 30 tons and took up a large room. ENIAC used a lot of electricity. People even rumored that the lights in Philadelphia would dim when it was turned on!
ENIAC's Public Debut
ENIAC was shown to the public on February 14, 1946. The program the women created caught everyone's attention. It made headlines all over the country.
At first, the women who worked on ENIAC did not get much credit. The male engineers who built the machine became famous. But the women who made it work were often forgotten.
Marlyn left the ENIAC team in 1947 to get married. This was before the ENIAC was moved to a new location.
Later Recognition
In 1997, Marlyn Meltzer received a special honor. She was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame. The other original ENIAC programmers also received this award.
This award celebrates women who have made great contributions to science and technology. It helps to recognize their important work that improves our society.
Documentaries About the ENIAC Team
Marlyn's work on ENIAC was later shown in a 2010 movie. It was called Top Secret Rosies: The Female "Computers" of WWII.
The ENIAC team also inspired another award-winning movie in 2013. This documentary, The Computers, was created by Kathy Kleiman. It shows real videos of the ENIAC team from the 1940s. It also includes interviews with the women as they remember their time working together.
Volunteer Work
Marlyn Meltzer loved to help others. She volunteered at the Shir Ami Library. She also read stories during Sunday school.
For over 10 years, she delivered "Meals on Wheels." This program brings food to people who cannot leave their homes.
In her last four years, Marlyn knitted more than 500 hats. These hats were for people undergoing chemotherapy. She made them for the Susan B. Komen Foundation in Philadelphia.
Death
Marlyn Meltzer passed away on December 7, 2008. She died in Yardley, Pennsylvania.
See also
In Spanish: Marlyn Wescoff Meltzer para niños
