Born: 1922 (Philadelphia)
Died: 2008 (Yardley, Bucks County, Pennsylvania)
Biography:
Marlyn Wescoff Meltzer (1922 – December 7, 2008) was an American mathematician and computer programmer, and one of the six original programmers of ENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic digital computer.
Early life
Meltzer was born Marlyn Wescoff in Philadelphia in 1922. She graduated from Temple University in 1942.
Career
Meltzer was hired by the Moore School of Engineering after graduating to perform weather calculations, mainly because she knew how to operate an adding machine. In 1943, she was hired to perform calculations for ballistics trajectories. At the time, this was accomplished by using manual desktop mechanical calculators.
In 1945, Meltzer was selected to become one of the six original programmers of Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC). Together with Kathleen McNulty, Kathleen Antonelli, Jean Jennings Bartik, Frances Elizabeth Holberton, Frances Spence, and Ruth Teitelbaum, Meltzer played a crucial role in the development of ENIAC.
ENIAC was a groundbreaking project that began in secret at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania in 1943. The machine was a massive contraption consisting of black panels and switches, containing thousands of vacuum tubes, crystal diodes, relays, resistors, capacitors, and hand-soldered joints. Weighing more than 30 tons and occupying 167 square meters, ENIAC consumed 150 kW of electricity and was so powerful that it was rumored the lights in Philadelphia would dim every time it was switched on.
On February 14, 1946, ENIAC was unveiled to the public, making headlines across the country. However, little recognition was given to the women who worked on the computer, with all the attention focused on the male engineers who built the machine. Meltzer resigned from the team in 1947 to get married, just before ENIAC was relocated to the Aberdeen Proving Grounds.
In 1997, Meltzer and the other original ENIAC programmers were inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame. This prestigious award recognizes and honors the outstanding contributions women make to the scientific and technological communities.
Volunteer work
In addition to her pioneering work in computer programming, Meltzer was also known for her dedication to volunteer work. She enjoyed volunteering at the Shir Ami Library and Sunday school story hour. For over 10 years, she delivered Meals on Wheels for the Greenwood House in Ewing, NJ. Meltzer was also actively involved in various organizations, serving as the treasurer of the Trenton/Lawrenceville chapter of Hadassah and being a member of Women for Greenwood House. During her last four years, she knitted over 500 chemotherapy hats for Susan B. Komen For the Cure, a non-profit organization in Philadelphia.
Death
Marlyn Meltzer passed away on December 7, 2008, in Yardley, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering work in the field of computer programming and a legacy of service to her community.
Legacy
Marlyn Meltzer’s contribution as one of the original ENIAC programmers played a vital role in the advancement of computer technology. Her work, along with that of her colleagues, paved the way for the digital age we live in today. Through her dedication and determination, she inspired countless women to pursue careers in technology and helped to reshape the industry. Marlyn Meltzer’s legacy will forever be remembered as a pioneer in the field of computer programming, an advocate for women in technology, and a role model for future generations.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame in 1997.