Celebrate Print!

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for International Printing Week®
January 11 - 17, 2009

A Brief History of International Printing Week®

Like most important movements in history, International Printing Week had a humble beginning at Newark, New Jersey. In 1928, a group of printers decided to give recognition to their sons who had selected printing as a career.

The father and son idea was not new, but this occasion was significant because it gave emphasis to education, building of youth, employer-apprenticeship relations, and to industry-student cooperation, so that more young men of promise might be informed about the opportunities in the printing industries.

In Newark, this event was so successful it became an annual affair. By 1932, the idea had developed to include: general improvement of printing techniques, promotion for educational opportunities for those interested in entering one of the crafts, and training future buyers and users of printing in the public schools toward a more intellectual evaluation of printing and its effect on all progress.

Five years later, the International Graphic Arts Education Association introduced the idea of National Printing Education Week, with programs for observance built around the life and work of Benjamin Franklin.

The International Association of Printing House Craftsmen became a part of the movement in 1944 at the Niagara Falls convention when a resolution was adopted to sponsor the observance throughout its own chapters. The resolution read as follows: "Resolved that the Club of Printing House Craftsmen of Newark and Vicinity go on record as favoring the institution of an International Printing Week... to the end that Graphic Arts be promoted throughout the jurisdiction of the International Association as an essential industry and the art of preservative of all arts."

This simple resolution received enthusiastic embrace from all the member clubs of the IAPHC and resulted in widespread observance of the event throughout North America since 1944. It has allowed for growth of the Printing Week Celebrations which have been held each year during the anniversary of the birthday of Benjamin Franklin. Many elaborate and effective series of events had been planned and managed either by local clubs or in conjunction with other graphic arts organizations in the community. These Printing Week observances have done a tremendous job of informing and impressing the general public of the importance of printing in the economy.

During the week in January that holds Ben Franklin's birthday, January 17th, we can take the time to make all this visible to everyone in and out of our industry. There are individual organizations and schools all across this country and in Canada that always make big plans to celebrate this week. If you are not already involved, consider finding something special to do with your employees, customers, students, and associates. It just takes one step and you are moving forward.  Whatever you do, Celebrate Print!