Valerie Higgins is the Fermilab archivist.
No aspect of Fermilab, past or present — the accomplishments of the Tevatron, the popular Arts and Lecture Series, the education efforts, the world-leading neutrino program — would be what it is today without the contributions of women. This International Women’s Day, we honor their contributions.
Twenty-five years ago, scientists on the CDF and DZero particle physics experiments at Fermilab announced one of history’s biggest breakthroughs in particle physics: the discovery of the long-sought top quark. The collaborations on the two experiments jointly made the announcement on March 2, 1995, to much fanfare. We take a look back on this day in Fermilab history a quarter-century ago.
If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to learn about the mind-bending concept of relativity when it first made a splash in public consciousness, come to Fermilab’s latest history exhibit. See works written by Einstein and read the public response to his groundbreaking theory.
The newest exhibit presented by Fermilab scientist Erik Ramberg and the Fermilab Archives gives the viewer a glimpse into the fascinating history of the study of electricity. Since 600 BC, scientists and philosophers have theorized on how electrical charge is transferred from one site to another. In the 18th century, experiments testing these theories took off. In the exhibit, see primary texts and early images of electricity at work.
Astronomers strive to understand the structure and evolution of stars, galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Take a short journey through the history of astronomy by viewing some of the field’s most influential works, currently on exhibit in the display case in the Fermilab Art Gallery. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
In a new series of exhibits in the Fermilab Art Gallery, the Fermilab Archives will feature influential works loaned by the private collection of a Fermilab scientist. It kicks off with the current exhibit, which features works from the 17th and 18th centuries. Each display, which will rotate approximately once a month, will consist of several volumes illustrating a common theme in the evolution of physics.
Fermilab’s Folk Music Club sponsored the first Fermilab barn dance on May 13, 1978. Forty years later, the Fermilab Barn Dance is still going strong.
In past Decembers the laboratory recognized the importance of its future site, the prairie and its buildings.
Neutrinos made several November debuts at Fermilab.
Fermilab directors receive formal recognition for their pioneering science, an important groundbreaking takes place, and a new education program takes off in October.