Honoring the Lehmer mathematical family, the Lehmer Conference was held at the end of August, 2000 at UC Berkeley. Highlighting mathematical contributions, inventions, and influences from Professor Derrick Norman Lehmer (1867-1938), his son, Professor Derrick Henry Lehmer (1905-1991), and Emma Lehmer, D. H.'s wife (1906 -), three days of fifteen speakers covered the range of the Lehmers' mathematical interests. Speakers included previous students, friend and historian, Constance Reid, and Chair Calvin Moore.
The Computer Museum History Center from Mountain View displayed some inventions. David Farrell from the Bancroft Library set up an historical display. Many Lehmer family members attended the banquet held on the second day of the conference, and several described childhood experiences and the influence that D.H. and Emma had on their lives.
Derrick Norman Lehmer taught mathematics at UC Berkeley from 1900-1937 when he retired. He is regarded as one of the leading authorities on the theory of numbers, one of his major interests being the preparation of important tables. He collaborated with his son, Derrick Henry, in devising an ingenious, complicated calculating machine, using both electricity and light, and capable of determining whether any given number, even of astronomic size, is a prime.
His son, Derrick Henry Lehmer, was professor from 1940-1972. He learned about computing in mathematics and making sieves from his father. With the aid of sieves that he and his associates designed and built throughout his lifetime, D. H. solved many problems in number theory that were often far beyond what anyone else could solve, such as the factoring and primality testing of large integers and the discovery of pseudo-squares.
Emma Lehmer, a number theorist researcher, taught during World War II under special wartime exceptions to the university nepotism rule that prevented more than one member of a family from holding a faculty position. At age 90, Emma Lehmer has finished her research work, written up her husband's unfinished work, and overseen the publication of these materials.
Emma Lehmer, widow of D. H., and one of 3 Lehmers honored at conference
 Electro-mechanical Monroe used by D.H. and Emma Lehmer in the 1930s |
 16 mm. movie-film sieve constructed by D.H. Lehmer in 1936 |
Photos by Chris Tuffley |
 John Brillhart with photo of D.N. Lehmer in background. |
 D.H. Lehmer's grandson Ron demonstrating replica of bicycle chain sieve built by D.H. |