Historic Sites Initiative
Recognizing Historic Physics Sites and Events
Every year, the American Physical Society recognizes a select number of sites in the United States where important events in the history of physics took place.
With your nomination, you are helping to raise public awareness about noteworthy events and illuminate the impact of scientific advancements on everyday life.
New sites are selected by the Historic Sites Committee. Awardees receive a plaque commemorating the site's significance to physics, and a listing in the Historic Sites online directory.
Historic Site Nominations and Sites
- Nominate a site (Deadline: January 31, 2023)
- Historic Sites
Congratulations 2023 Historic Site Awardees
Congratulations to our newest historic sites, Chicago Pile “Site A” and Stagg Field!
Chicago Pile “Site A”
University of Chicago
The Chicago Pile Site “Site A” is recognized for its transformational and impactful role in the development of nuclear energy, nuclear applications such as radioisotope production for medicine and research and research employing neutron scattering.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Stagg Field
University of Chicago, Metallurgical Laboratory
On 2 December 1942, a pivotal moment occurred at CP-1. Enrico Fermi led the world's first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, a remarkable achievement. The reactor's construction took place under Stagg Field's west viewing stands by the talented team from the University of Chicago's Metallurgical Laboratory.
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