The Bit Player

In a blockbuster paper in 1948, Claude Shannon introduced the notion of a “bit” and laid the foundation for the Information Age. His ideas ripple through such diverse fields as communication, linguistics, genetics, computing, cryptography, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and cosmology. In later years, he constructed a mathematical theory of juggling, rode unicycles, wrote the first paper on computer chess and built a flaming trumpet!

Join us for a screening of The Bit Player, a film that combines interviews with leading scientists, archival film, inventive animation and compelling commentary from Shannon himself to tell the story of an overlooked genius who revolutionized the world but never lost his childlike curiosity. After the film, there will be a Q & A with the director Mark Levinson (Particle Fever).

Watch the film trailer here.

Join us for Friday Nights @CHM before the program! Beginning at 5 p.m., enjoy food and drinks in our front patio. CHM exhibits are open from 5 to 9 p.m. and are free to event guests.