Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park Receives IEEE Milestone Plaque
Contact:
Richard Preston-LeMay
State Park Superintendent III
(916) 988-0205
FOLSOM, Calif. – Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park is being honored by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), recognizing it as an IEEE Milestone location. On Tuesday, July 13, at 10 a.m., representatives from IEEE will conduct the dedication ceremony and unveil the Milestone plaque for the Folsom Powerhouse’s contributions to the field of electrical engineering.
“California State Parks is honored to be receiving the prestigious Milestone award from the IEEE,” said Armando Quintero, California State Parks Director, who will be on hand for the July 13 dedication ceremony. “The department is proud to be the protector and keeper of California’s most treasured natural and cultural resources including the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park.”
The Milestone plaque will read:
The Folsom Powerhouse was one of the earliest electrical plants to generate three-phase alternating current, and the first using three-phase 60 hertz. On 13 July 1895, General Electric generators began transmitting electricity 22 miles to Sacramento at 11,000 volts, powering businesses, streetcars, and California’s capitol. The plant demonstrated advantages of three-phase, 60 hertz long-distance transmission, which became standard, and promoted nationwide development of affordable hydropower.
The Folsom Powerhouse is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1981) as being significant in the areas of engineering and industry on the national level. It is also a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark (1975), a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark (1976) and is designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No. 633 (1958).
The IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization for the advancement of technology. Their core purpose is to foster technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. They will be essential to the global technical community and to technical professionals everywhere and be universally recognized for the contributions of technology and of technical professionals in improving global conditions.
For more information on Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, call the Folsom Sector Office at (916) 988-0205.
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