Event – Detail

Join us to learn about Polish-born civil engineer Ralph Modjeski (1861-1940) who became "America's greatest bridge builder." Modjeski furthered the use of suspension bridges and oversaw the design and construction of nearly forty bridges over the course of his career. Among his achievements was the Benjamin Franklin Bridge over the Delaware River which, upon completion in 1926, was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The Modjeski and Masters engineering firm, based in Philadelphia, is still in operation.

Part of The Athenæum's new monthly international design series presented in partnership with the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia.

Light refreshments to follow.

Peter J. Obst, born in Poznań, Poland, worked as a software engineer for United States Steel and The Wall Street Journal after graduating from Drexel University in Philadelphia in 1977. Received an MA in Central and East European Studies from LaSalle University. Later, he was employed as an adjunct lecturer by LaSalle. His interest in the history of Polish immigrants and Polonia led to working for the Poles in America Foundation, started by Edward Pinkowski an eminent historian living in Philadelphia. He has translated several books from Polish into English and is a contributing writer for NOWY DZIENNIK, a Polish language weekly newspaper. He also designs and maintains websites for several Polish societies. He served as president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation for five years. At present he is president of the Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia. With the PHSP he has worked to install Historical Markers, sanctioned by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, in Philadelphia, to commemorate various persons of Polish background who have made major contributions to Pennsylvania. For his activities on behalf of Poland and Polonia he was awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit in 2022 and the Eagle of the Polish Senate in 2009.

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