California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, October 2, 1951
Starting as a vocational school by Amos Throop in 1889, Caltech has evolved into one of the world’s great centers for the study in science and engineering. At the time of this photo from April to December, 1951 Caltech, with its expertise in rocketry and nuclear physics, served as host for the classified Project Vista aimed at improving the relationship between tactical air support and ground troops. During this time, more than a quarter of Caltech’s faculty and a group of outside scientists staffed the project.
Caltech has appeared in many films and TV shows including The Big Bang Theory, The War of the Worlds, and Real Genius. It’s Athenaeum dining club has appeared in many works of popular culture, including Beverly Hills Cop, The X-Files, and The West Wing.