Public Works Historical Society
The Society's logo (right) is a depiction of the nation's first federal public work, the Cape Henry Lighthouse
at Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. Built in 1791 at the specific direction of the first Congress of the United States,
President George Washington and Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton were personally involved with the project.
The lighthouse was built on the site of the landing of the Susan Constant, the ship carrying settlers who founded
Jamestown in 1607–the first permanent English speaking colony in the new world. The lighthouse stands today as a
historical monument not only to our nation's heritage, but also to the timelessness of public works.
The mission of the Society is to enhance the planning and management of public works programs, and to
promote public understanding and appreciation of the role of public works in the growth and
development of civilization. The Society accomplishes this mission through the collection,
preservation, and dissemination of public works history. Specifically, the goals of the Society are
to:
- Foster scholarly research and publication;
- Support collaboration among public works practitioners, historians, and educators;
- Encourage the preservation of historically significant public works;
- Promote historical awareness and activities throughout APWA; and
- Collect and preserve records of individuals and groups engaged in important public works activities.
The Public Works Historical Society (Society) was chartered in 1975 by the American Public Works Association (APWA)
to prepare a history of public works in America to coincide with the United States bicentennial. Our official formation
was announced at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., on April 10, 1975. Senator Jennings Randolph – then Chairman
of the Senate Public Works Committee – was the principal speaker. The Society's first annual meeting followed later
that year in New Orleans.
During our over 25-year history, the Society has evolved as an historical organization, having published volumes of books, essays,
and articles; administered research grants; sponsored award programs; and hosted academic seminars and meetings.
Remembering Jim Martin
The following is excerpted from an article published in the September, 2008, APWA Reporter.
The July 9th news that James L. Martin (APWA President in 1982-83) had died of natural causes at his home in Fresno, California, left many people in public works and throughout APWA struggling to put words to their feelings.
Although the 81-year-old retired his position as director of public works in Fresno more than 20 years ago, "retired" could never describe Jim Martin. Out of an unparalleled scope of interests and a passion for public works, Jim served as secretary of the Central California Chapter for more than a decade before his death and worked on countless committees and task forces on a national level. He also was instrumental in developing not only APWA's emergency management program, but also the original public works component of FEMA training courses. Jim's life made a difference to others, to the public works profession, and to this association.
Jim produced a prodigious body of articles and nine books published by APWA. Most notably, he was the author of two editions of the Red Book, the industry standard on quality-based selection of engineers, architects and consultants. His work also is the basis for the current, third edition of the book.
APWA Executive Director Emeritus Robert D. Bugher expressed his "great admiration and respect for Jim" for his many leadership qualities. He also suggested that the dissemination of Jim's inspiring oral history, which was published by APWA in 2006, would "help to attract some of the high-quality talent to this profession that will assure its success for many years to come."
Besides being an engineer, Jim's passion for history caused him to work steadfastly through the Public Works Historical Society (PWHS) to forge a useful partnership between practitioners and historians. Jim served on the PWHS Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1999 and was Society President in 1991-92.
The Public Works Historical Society is working to honor Jim by establishing a memorial fund in his name to underwrite an oral history series. If you wish to make a contribution in his honor, forward your check or money order (payable to APWA) to PO Box 802296, Kansas City, MO 64108-2296. Please be certain to include Jim Martin Memorial Fund in the memo line. If you wish to make a contribution by credit card, please contact Raye LaViolet, APWA Accounts Receivables, at 816-595-5272.
- Board of Trustees Roster [LINK]
- Society Bylaws [PDF]
- PWHS Past Presidents [PDF]
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