Chapter 1: The Pioneers of Programming

A compelling new book has recently made its way to bookstores, promising to captivate readers from the first page.

Book Description

“Readers who enjoyed Dava Sobel’s The Glass Universe and Margot Lee Shetterly’s Hidden Figures will find a treasure in this book” (Publisher’s Weekly). This untold narrative recounts the extraordinary journey of six American women who programmed the world’s first modern computer during the World War II era.

Following the conclusion of World War II, the pursuit of technological dominance intensified. Secretive research into ballistics and computing, initiated during the war to support military efforts, continued throughout the United States as engineers and programmers hurried to fulfill their classified missions. Among these innovators were six remarkable women who were given the challenge of programming the ENIAC—the first general-purpose, programmable, all-electronic computer—despite the absence of existing instruction codes or programming languages. While many computer history enthusiasts recognize this groundbreaking machine, the significant roles played by the women behind it have largely remained in the shadows—until now.

Over a span of ten years, Kathy Kleiman engaged with four of the original six ENIAC programmers, conducting in-depth interviews to document their experiences. Proving Ground reclaims these women’s rightful status as trailblazers in technology. As the tech sector grapples with persistent gender disparities and their far-reaching effects, the narrative of the ENIAC programmers' pioneering work becomes increasingly relevant. Proving Ground celebrates their invaluable contributions.

About the Author

Kathy Kleiman is a prominent figure in internet law and policy, currently teaching at American University Washington College of Law. Her dedication to uncovering the stories of these female programmers inspired her to establish the ENIAC Programmers Project, which produced a documentary titled The Computers: The Remarkable Story of the ENIAC Programmers. This film debuted at the Seattle International Film Festival in 2014 and received the UNAFF Grand Jury Award for Best Short Documentary at the United Nations Film Festival in 2016.

Social Links & How to Purchase the Book

Other Social Media Links:

TW: @KleimK @ENIACProg

IG: @GrandCentralPub

FB: @GrandCentralPub

#ProvingGround

Section 1.1: A Glimpse into the Past

In exploring this fascinating history, we can better appreciate the challenges faced by these women who broke barriers in computing.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Women Behind the Machine

As we delve deeper, it’s crucial to recognize the individual stories of these women, whose contributions have been overlooked for far too long.

Chapter 2: The Untold Story

The first video titled "Proving Ground: The Untold Story of the Six Women Who Programmed the World's First Modern Computer" offers a detailed insight into the lives and achievements of these remarkable women.

The second video further explores the incredible journey of the ENIAC programmers and their lasting influence on the tech world.