ENIAC Day (World Computer Day)

ENIAC Day is observed annually on February 15. This day commemorates the official dedication of the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, which took place at the University of Pennsylvania in 1946. Often referred to as World Computer Day, the event celebrates the birth of the computer age and recognizes the massive leap from mechanical calculation to high-speed electronic digital processing.

History of ENIAC Day

The development of ENIAC began in 1943 during World War II at the University of Pennsylvania’s Moore School of Electrical Engineering. Financed by the United States Army, the project was led by physicist John Mauchly and engineer J. Presper Eckert. The machine was originally designed to calculate complex artillery firing tables for the military. While the war ended before the computer was fully operational, the project was completed in 1945 and first used to study the feasibility of thermonuclear weapons.

On February 15, 1946, the university officially unveiled the machine to the public and the press. At the time, ENIAC was a massive installation occupying 1,800 square feet, weighing approximately 30 tons, and utilizing nearly 18,000 vacuum tubes. The City of Philadelphia officially inaugurated ENIAC Day in 2011 to mark the 65th anniversary of this unveiling. This recognition also highlighted the essential contributions of the six primary programmers—Kay McNulty, Betty Jennings, Marlyn Wescoff, Ruth Lichterman, Elizabeth Bilas, and Jean Bartik—whose work was largely uncredited for decades.

Why is ENIAC Day important?

This day marks the moment humanity gained the ability to perform mathematical tasks at electronic speeds for the first time. Before ENIAC, calculations that took hours by hand or with mechanical devices could be completed in seconds, paving the way for every digital technology used today. The holiday serves as a reminder of the foundational engineering principles that led to the development of microchips, personal computers, and the internet.

Beyond the hardware, the day is important for honoring the diverse team of pioneers who made modern computing possible. It specifically brings attention to the history of women in technology, as the original “computers” were female mathematicians who programmed the machine by manually manipulating cables and switches. Celebrating this milestone encourages interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by showing how collaborative innovation can solve world-scale problems.

• It recognizes the birth of the first general-purpose electronic digital computer.
• The day honors the groundbreaking work of the original six female programmers.
• It highlights the transition from manual calculation to the modern digital era.
• The event promotes the importance of computer science education in schools.
• It serves as a tribute to the engineers who built the foundation for modern IT.

How to Celebrate ENIAC Day

Many technology enthusiasts celebrate by visiting museums that house original components of the machine, such as the Smithsonian Institution or the University of Pennsylvania. Educational institutions often hold webinars or mini-symposia to discuss the history of computing and its future trajectory. A unique tradition suggested by organizers at the Compuseum involves turning off personal computers for one minute at 2:15 PM EST to pay tribute to the machine that started it all.

For a more personal observation, individuals can explore the history of early programming through documentaries or digital archives that feature the “Women of ENIAC.” Many people use social media to share facts about the evolution of technology, comparing the 30-ton weight of the original machine to the power of modern smartphones. It is also a popular day for IT professionals to host open houses or coding workshops to introduce newcomers to the field of computer science.

• Watch a documentary or read an article about the creation of ENIAC.
• Share a post on social media using the hashtag to spread awareness of the holiday.
• Power down your electronic devices for one minute in a symbolic tribute.
• Research the life stories of the six women who were the first programmers.
• Visit a local science or technology museum to see early computing exhibits.

ENIAC Day (World Computer Day) Dates Table