The refrigerators of the 1920s were deadly. Their motorized compressors easily malfunctioned, allowing the refrigerants—that is, toxic gases—to escape...
The Belgian-born American chemist, inventor, and entrepreneur Leo Baekeland (1863–1944) is best known for his invention of the first synthetic plastic...
While helping to clean out the basement at my parent’s house, I stumbled upon some worksheets from when I was a kindergarten student. One sheet that...
One of my favorite artifacts in the museum is the first computer mouse, which is currently on display in the Silicon Valley section of Places of...
During the election week back in November, my sons Patrick (age 9, 3rd grade) and Gavin (age 8, 2nd grade) had a few extra vacation days as our school...
The daguerreotype, invented in France, came to America in 1839. By 1851, this early photographic method had been improved by American daguerreotypists...
In a recent Harris Poll of US workers, only some 22 percent described themselves as curious at work, while 66 percent reported facing barriers to...
Happy 40th birthday, Rubik’s Cube!I’ve practically grown up with the toy, which I first encountered around 1981 when my elementary school classmate...
Historian Robert Rosenberg reenacts Edison's first recording of sound during the Lemelson Center's celebration of Edison's 150th birthday.Videography...
On March 25, 1983—30 years ago—Michael Jackson performed the moonwalk for the first time during his performance of “Billie Jean” on NBC’s Motown 25th...
Until recently, the oldest recorded sounds of known date which anyone could hear had been captured in 1888 on the “perfected” phonograph introduced...
The Spirit of Invention is a fascinating examination of innovation as a driving characteristic of Americans from all eras and all walks of life. In...
Growing up
Thomas Alva Edison (nicknamed Al) was born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio. Edison was an inquisitive boy who began experimenting at...
Lewis Howard Latimer was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on September 4, 1848, six years after his parents, George and Rebecca Latimer, had run away...
