The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) can trace its origins to the founding of the Rochester Athenaeum in 1829. After joining with several different Rochester institutions during the 19th century, the Athenaeum finally merged with the Mechanics Institute (founded in 1885) in 1891 to form the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute (RAMI). RAMI changed its name to the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1944 to better reflect the university's role in the field of technical education. In 1939, RAMI's administration decided to present a radio program on the history of the university. According to the radio script, "Few people [knew] the history, the workings, the character and the highlights of the development" of RAMI. The program was written to "acquaint [individuals] with the engrossing background and the exciting present of that institution." The university's president at the time, Dr. Mark Ellingson, introduced the first program. It is unclear how long the program ran, but the first two sessions covered the founding of the Rochester Athenaeum in 1829 and the founding of the Mechanics Institute in 1885.
From the description of Founding of the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute Radio Program scripts 1939 January (RIT Library). WorldCat record id: 758998861
