For more than a century, American structural steel has provided the framework for progress, powering bridges, buildings, and communities across the country.
Since AISC's founding in 1921, we've seen buildings stretch skyward and bridges span once-inconceivable lengths as structural steel continues to revolutionize the built environment.
This SteelDays, we're putting on a record, digging up time capsules, and rummaging through filing cabinets to bring you a shot-blast from the past as we celebrate our timeless industry and its impact on the way Americans live, work, and play.
Along the way, we'll reflect on the lasting legacy of those who built--and continue to build--with steel.
100 Years of Steel
When you think back on the past century, steel has left a remarkable legacy. It’s gotten greener, stronger, faster, and smarter. It’s changed the built environment forever--and that’s all because of the people who work in the industry. Every building and every bridge is an enduring testament to the men and women who chose to leave their legacy in steel.
Steel Through the Decades
You don’t need a time machine to see history up close! Our interactive timelines look back at several decades that defined both AISC and the globe, from cultural turning points to the creation of architectural marvels that still draw millions of visitors to America’s cities every year. We recommend starting with the "Roaring" first decade of AISC!
Explore: 1920s | 1930s | 1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | All timelines
Memories of Modern Steel
You know it, you love it, you get it in your mailbox--and inbox--every month. But did you know you can flip through the pages of every issue of Modern Steel Construction published since 2010 with our easy-to-use digital archive search? Go behind the scenes of your favorite projects of the last 15 years with a quick keyword search. (You can also see every cover issued since 1961!)
Start browsing at modernsteel.com/archives.
Six Hidden Gems from Our Archives
While we're dusting off AISC artifacts...
- Steel's role in a sustainable future goes way back to the past! This 1942 issue of Steel Constructor is all about reusing, repurposing, and recycling steel structures.
- Check out this 1955 coverage of the construction of Chicago's Prudential Building, the first skyscraper built in the city following the Great Depression. The steel-framed standout overlooking Millennium Park now serves as AISC's headquarters!
- Before the Student Steel Bridge Competition challenged students to design, fabricate, and build scale-model bridges, there was an earlier iteration of a student bridge design showcase! Check out these award-winning student drawings from 1928.
- Live from New York, it's a SteelDays special! Go slide by slide through the building of Rockefeller Center, captured on film between 1932 and 1933.
- Get a taste of mid-century living in the iconic glass-walled apartments designed by Mies van der Rohe! We've even got two photos from construction.
- See San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge through the lens of a pilot in these photos documenting the bridge's 1937 grand opening, which included a flyover by 500 U.S. Naval planes.
A Word(le) to the Wise
We hope you’ve been enjoying the SteelDays Wordle lineup! Ready to give today’s puzzle a try? The answer may be hidden somewhere on this page…
Share your results with us (no spoilers, please!) on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
Guess that word