The pair of laboratory buildings were named for Max Delbrück in recognition of the immeasurable impact that he had on CSHL and its scientists. The dedication ceremony for the new Delbrück Laboratories was held on August 29, 1981, during the annual Phage Meeting. In attendance were Max Delbrück’s wife and adult children, as well as many of the scientists who were greatly influenced by Max in their personal and professional lives. Dedicatory addresses were given by Rollin Hotchkiss, Gordon Sato, John Cairns, and Al Hershey.