Daily Staff Writer

The replica of the first electronic digital computer, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer or ABC, will be displayed today in the Terrace Cafe of the State Historical Building in Des Moines.

According to a press release, the replica is part of a reception being held by Iowa State and University of Iowa officials for Iowa neighbors.

ISU President Martin Jischke and U of I President Mary Sue Coleman will attend the reception, as well as James Melsa, dean of the College of Engineering at ISU, and Richard Miller, dean of the College of Engineering at U of I.

The display of the ABC replica is part of the universities’ celebration of National Engineers Week, which is Feb. 22 through Feb. 28.

The ABC was invented by John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry at ISU during 1939-42. After work on the ABC was interrupted by World War II, it was scavenged for parts and never patented.

The replica was built to honor Atanasoff and Berry. It was constructed over the past three years by a team of scientists, technicians and students at the Ames Laboratory.

Future sites for the display will be featured later in the Daily.