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So.Hist-info seminar 15/06/2026 - Amelie Mittlemeier - Programming languages and Communities of Programming
by Camille Paloque-Bergès 12 Jun '26

12 Jun '26

Dear colleagues, The So.Hist-Info seminar, coordinated by Mathilde Fichen, Camille Paloque-Bergès, and Adrien Tournier at the HT2S laboratory, and Léandre Bécard at COSTECH (UTC), invites you on *Monday, June 15, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.* at the *Cnam, 2 rue Conté (Paris FR) Room 30.-1.18*, for its *sixth and final session of the 2025-2026 season*. We will welcome *Amelie Mittlmeier* (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich) for a presentation in English entitled: *Programming Languages and Communities of Programming* The speaker will discuss the importance of software in the historical formation and structuring of computing communities. To attend the seminar, please register here <https://framaforms.org/inscription-seminaire-de-socio-histoire-de-linformat…>. A videoconference link will be sent to you upon registration. *Abstract:* The emergence of so-called high-level programming languages at the end of the 1950s not only marked a technological shift from earlier automatic coding systems but also gave rise to distinct communities of computing. Languages such as FORTRAN and ALGOL were not merely technical tools; they became focal points around which practitioners organized themselves, forming user groups and professional identities. In this sense, programming languages did not simply serve pre-existing communities – they actively contributed to their formation. As these communities developed, so too did debates about the relative merits of different programming languages. However, these discussions were marked by the absence of clearly defined and widely accepted criteria for evaluating programming languages. They reflected deeper disagreements about the nature of programming itself – whether it should be understood as a scientific discipline, an engineering practice, or even an artistic endeavor. This lecture asks why the question of the “best” programming language became such a relevant and persistent concern among experts - and why it lost its relevance at the end of the 1960s. It examines the debates between different language communities and analyzes how these controversies shaped both technological development and the emerging research field of programming. By situating these discussions in their historical context, the talk highlights how competition and disagreement contributed to deepening experts’ understanding of programming and thus to the formation of the field. *https://sohistinfo.github.io/ <https://sohistinfo.github.io/>* -- Institutional email address : camille.paloque_berges(a)cnam.fr *Laboratory for the History of Techno-Sciences (HT2S), Conservatoire national des arts et métiers, 2 rue Conté, 75003 Paris, France

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Open position at the Computer History Museum
by DCBROCK 09 Jun '26

09 Jun '26

It would be *fantastic* to have someone from this community, or aligned with it, join us in this position at the Museum. https://computerhistory.org/jobs/oral-history-program-manager/ If interested: The Computer History Museum is partnering with PNP Staffing Group for this search. Please send resume and cover letter to Wade Savitt, Executive Recruiter via Yael Sharon ysharon(a)pnpstaffinggroup.com <mailto:ysharon@pnpstaffinggroup.com> +++++++++++++++ David C. Brock dcb(a)dcbrock.net 40 Russell Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 Mobile: 413-522-3578 Pronouns: he, him, his

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Annals 48(2) now available
by Troy Astarte 08 Jun '26

08 Jun '26

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce that the latest issue of IEEE Annals of the History of Computing is available to read online. It is a standard issue, with our usual mix of research articles and department contributions. Find it on IEEE Xplore <https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/tocresult.jsp?isnumber=11547327&punumber=85> or CSDL <https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2026/02> as you prefer. Table of Contents: Features Meet Some Girls: Encoding Heteronormativity Into the History of Computing <https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2026/02/11482837/2fLmNO5H7c4> by Sheila C. Murphy <https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Sheila%2…> Discriminating Data: How LGBTQ+ Computer Scientists, Engineers, and High-Tech Professionals Used Data Collection and Computational Analysis to Advocate for Queer Labor Rights <https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2026/02/11397530/2e9QTzm7OI8> by Alex D. Ketchum <https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Alex%20D…> Precision Matters: AI and the Triumph of Strategic Ambiguity <https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2026/02/11421435/2eApmboNJny> by Alison Langmead <https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Alison&s…>, Christopher J. Phillips <https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Christop…> Databasing the Face: The Rise of Data-Centrism in Computerized Facial Expression Recognition <https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2026/02/11313527/2cGz8K0Qdnq> by Heewon Kim <https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Heewon&s…> Department: anecdotes Assembling and Training the Perceptron: A Personal Account <https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2026/02/11547336/2gZIxqxjYQ0> by George Osborn Jensen <https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=George%2…>, David E. Dunning <https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=David%20…> Department: think pieces Is It Too Early to Talk “Quantum Software”? <https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2026/02/11547333/2gZIwMKDMvm> by Hassan Soubra <https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Hassan&s…> Department: people of computing Jean-Raymond Abrial: A Scientific Biography of a Formal Methods Pioneer <https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2026/02/11547343/2gZIvYG8UTK> by Jonathan P. Bowen <https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Jonathan…>, Henri Habrias <https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Henri&su…> Department: events and sightings Notes From the HaPoC 8 Conference <https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/an/2026/02/11547340/2gZIvRD0EAo> by Gregor Zurowski <https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Gregor&s…>, Henri Stéphanou <https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Henri&su…>, Alexander Gschwendtner <https://www.computer.org/csdl/search/default?type=author&givenName=Alexande…> Best, Dr. Troy Kaighin Astarte (they/them / nhw) I often dictate messages due to motor disability; please forgive any oddities resulting. Editor-in-Chief / Prif Olygydd, IEEE Annals of the History of Computing Senior Lecturer, Computer Science and Head of Year 3 / Uwch Darlithydd, Cyfrifiadureg a Phennaeth Blwyddyn 3 Swansea University / Prifysgol Abertawe

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CfP: 7th HaPoP Symposium in Basel - What is critical about programming?
by Elisabetta Mori 08 Jun '26

08 Jun '26

Dear SIGCIS members, I am pleased to forward you the call for papers for the *7th HaPoP symposium* on the History and Philosophy of Programming. The seminar is going to be held on *13th November 2026 *in Basel, Switzerland. The deadline for submissions is *31st July 2026*. Best, Elisabetta *-------* *What is critical about programming?* *13th November 2026 - Universität Basel, Switzerland* We are pleased to announce the call for papers for the 7th symposium on the history and philosophy of programming (HaPoP) in Basel on November 13th, 2026. We invite contributions on the history and philosophy of programming broadly understood, whether conceptual concerns or practical matters, field-specific examinations or cross-disciplinary comparisons, as well as, but not limited to, epistemic, aesthetic and ethical reflections. In the spirit of interdisciplinary inquiry into programming, this symposium asks broadly "what is critical about programming?". We start from appreciating a critical moment, a crisis, as that which requires clear assessment of a situation, and subsequent action. From the so-called "software crisis" in the 1960s to the programming of critical systems and automated decision-making about potential crises of today, we seek to assess how criticality is defined within such systems and in which ways it intersects with adjacent concepts such as risk, safety and harm. Moreover, programming can also be considered as a means of conducting critique both within the domain of computer science as well as outside of it. As such, the symposium considers a critical stance, or critique, as that which seeks to delimit one's own knowledge and abilities, considering these limits as rooted within the thinking subject as well as societal structures. Critically examining programming therefore involves tracing both how programming is limited in itself, and how it limits the abilities of the domains and users on which it operates, as well as how it broadens the possibilities of programming practices. We therefore invite abstracts of about 500 words (including references) on the history and philosophy of programming which should be sent to basel-2026(a)hapoc.org by 2026-07-31. Please see the full open call for further details at https://hapoc.org/hapop-7/ *-------* Elisabetta Mori Juan de la Cierva Postdoctoral Fellow, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Associate Editor, IEEE Annals of the History of Computing Senior Research Fellow, The National Museum of Computing, Bletchley Park, UK

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CFP: reflections and new perspectives on the history of computing
by Troy Astarte 05 Jun '26

05 Jun '26

Dear colleagues, In 2028, IEEE Annals of the History of Computing will publish its 50th volume. That is a time to reflect on the study of computing history: what it has achieved and what is yet to be done now and in the coming years. To mark the occasion, we will publish two special issues of essays on the historiography of computing. Reflections On Computing History, the first, invites authors, particularly those who have already published work on computing history, to write on older and newer approaches—what the study has accomplished or on what they think it needs to do next—not solely with reference to Annals. The issue will be guest edited by David Hemmendinger. New Perspectives On Computing History, the second, invites authors who are new to the field or who come to it as "outsiders" to look ahead and focus on what computing history has not yet addressed and on how it may need to expand or change in the future. Mar Hicks is the guest editor for this issue. Interested authors should send 200 to 500 word abstracts to the relevant editor and those selected will be invited to submit 2000 to 4000 word essays through Author Portal later for (light-touch) peer review. For more details, including schedules and editor emails, please see the attached CFP documents. Best, Dr. Troy Kaighin Astarte (they/them / nhw) I often dictate messages due to motor disability; please forgive any oddities resulting. Editor-in-Chief / Prif Olygydd, IEEE Annals of the History of Computing Senior Lecturer, Computer Science and Head of Year 3 / Uwch Darlithydd, Cyfrifiadureg a Phennaeth Blwyddyn 3 Swansea University / Prifysgol Abertawe

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Free panel tomorrow (Tue, June 2, 1pm ET): "Analog — The Infinity Between 0 and 1"
by IT History Society 01 Jun '26

01 Jun '26

Dear colleagues, Greetings from the IT History Society, and apologies for the short notice. Tomorrow, *Tuesday, June 2, at 1:00 pm ET,* we're hosting a free public Zoom panel that may interest many on this list. *"Analog: The Infinity Between 0 and 1"* Before computing was digital, it was continuous. Between any two digital values lies an uncountable infinity. For most of computing's history, that continuous space was where computers actually lived: slide rules, mechanical integrators, differential analyzers that didn't count but flowed. Then digital won, and analog all but vanished from the mainstream — only to resurface today in neuromorphic chips, AI accelerators, and edge devices doing things digital silicon struggles with. We've brought together four people who have spent careers in that world: - *George Dyson* — historian, author of "Turing's Cathedral" and "Analogia" - *David Alan Grier* — author of "When Computers Were Human"; former Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Annals of the History of Computing - *Peggy Aldrich Kidwell* — Smithsonian's National Museum of American History; an authority on slide rules and early calculating instruments - *Bernd Ulmann* — anabrid / "The Analog Thing" — who will demonstrate vintage analog computing hardware live, running real-time simulations and calculations during the session Open to all; free registration. Even if you can't join live, you can register for access to the proceedings: https://bit.ly/iths-analog-2026 With thanks, Aaron Sylvan Board Chair IT History Society

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Fwd: Upcoming Event Ticket from IT History Society - Don’t Forget!
by Dag Spicer 31 May '26

31 May '26

Hello SIGCIS Friends! Just a reminder… Dag Hi SIGCIS! Just a friendly reminder that you have tickets for an upcoming event. We wanted to make sure you're aware and have it on your calendar. We hope you enjoy the experience! Click the button below to access your ticket. [https://events-live-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/55f3de6b54a1fef4ebec5a95942d1f…] Analog: The Infinity Between 0 and 1 [Date] Tuesday, June 2nd 1:00pm [Location] https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85609164183?pwd=AMuCbemOPvIEaYDClGF9Xb4hurb3uu.1 [Tickets] 1 x Ticket View Ticket<https://api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/aY1uLgkB6Di_BgF0hapw3…> ----- Dag Spicer Senior Curator Computer History Museum Editorial Board, IEEE Annals of the History of Computing ACM History Committee 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd. Mountain View CA 94043 “History is a vast early warning system.” — Norman Cousins, American journalist (1915-1990). Join our Mailing List here: https://info.computerhistory.org/subscribe

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In Memoriam: Cleve Moler
by Dag Spicer 30 May '26

30 May '26

<https://computerhistory.org/blog/in-memoriam-cleve-moler-1939-2026/> [2026-05-Cleve-Moler-Obit.png] In Memoriam: Cleve Moler (1939–2026)<https://computerhistory.org/blog/in-memoriam-cleve-moler-1939-2026/> computerhistory.org<https://computerhistory.org/blog/in-memoriam-cleve-moler-1939-2026/> Dag ----- Dag Spicer Senior Curator Computer History Museum Editorial Board, IEEE Annals of the History of Computing ACM History Committee 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd. Mountain View CA 94043 “History is a vast early warning system.” — Norman Cousins, American journalist (1915-1990). Join our Mailing List here: https://info.computerhistory.org/subscribe

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June 1 deadline for CHM's new research travel grants
by DCBROCK 29 May '26

29 May '26

A reminder that the deadline to apply for the Computer History Museum’s new research travel grants program is Monday, June 1st. Please have a look: https://computerhistory.org/access-and-research/research-travel-grants/

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Opportunity with the IEEE History Center
by Julie Cohn 28 May '26

28 May '26

Dear all, This information may be of interest to some of you or your students: The IEEE History Center is inviting applications for the Pugh Young Scholar in Residence program: https://history.ieee.org/programs/fellowships-prizes/pugh-young-scholar-in-…. This opportunity is open to young scholars in history of technology and engineering, interested in interacting with the IEEE History Center, and able to spend time in the New York area, and or a related field. The residency includes a $5,500 stipend. Details are provided on the website. Please note that the deadline for application has been extended indefinitely until the position is filled. Terms of residency are flexible until the end of 2026. Best wishes, Julie Cohn, Ph.D. Non-Resident Scholar, Center for Energy Studies Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, and Research Historian, Center for Public History University of Houston https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/julie-cohn email: cohnconnor(a)gmail.com cell: 713.516.0849 Author: The Grid: Biography of an American Technology (MIT Press, 2017) https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/grid

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