Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Jan Matzeliger
Jan Ernst Matzeliger is remembered for his creation that had a tremendous effect on the shoe industry. He was a Surinamese inventor of the "lasting machine," patented in 1883.
Library of Congress
Loc: African American Odyssey: The Booker T. Washington Era
One section of this "Booker T. Washington Era" page of the LOC's African American Odyssey site is devoted to a very brief biography of Booker T. Washington. Other sections of the page summarize the history of African Americans between...
Other
Black History From a to Z
Students will enjoy exploring this colorful site during Black History Month, or any other month! Follow the timeline of famous African American women and inventors, or just click on a letter of the alphabet to find brief pieces of...
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Famous Americans: Alexander Graham Bell
Learn brief information from the National Postal Museum on Alexander Graham Bell, American inventor of the telephone, who was featured on the ten cent postage stamp.
Other
Black Inventor Online Museum: William Purvis
Read about the African-American inventor, William Purvis, who improved the fountain pen. Included is a list of his other inventions.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: People and Events: Alexander Graham Bell
This PBS American Experience page provides a biographical survey of Alexander Graham Bell's life and inventions.
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Innovative Lives
At this site from the Smithsonian Institute you can explore the world of invention by learning about inventors and their inventions. Searchable by name or subject, it is a great way for students to learn about science and technology.
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America? Willis Carrier
Find information about the life and work of Willis Carrier, the inventor of the air conditioner, at this PBS site devoted to the role of technology in society. Site visitors can locate Carrier on a timeline, along with other...
Library of Congress
Loc: The African American Odyssey: A Quest for Full Citizenship
Online exhibit from the Library of Congress explores black America's quest for equality from the early national period through the twentieth century. Exhibit contains a wealth of items including books, government documents, manuscripts,...
National Inventors Hall of Fame
National Inventors Hall of Fame: Eli Whitney: Cotton Gin
Read about Eli Whitney's cotton gin and its importance to the cotton industry.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Otis Boykin 1920 1982
Otis Boykin was a successful African American inventor whose inventions include resistors for electrical equipment and missiles, a controller for pacemakers, and a burglar-proof cash register.
Library of Congress
Loc: American Treasures: Benjamin Franklin: In His Own Words
Learn about the life and contributions of Benjamin Franklin by examining his letters, books, cartoons, speeches, and manuscripts. An excellent resource for teaching and learning about the history of the United States using primary source...
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: No. 522: Jan Matzeliger
A brief biography of Jan Matzeliger, an African-American inventor who revolutionized the shoe manufacturing industry. Read about his early troubles and how he graciously lived his life. This is a transcript of an accompanying radio...
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: No. 158: Lewis Latimer
A brief biography of African-American inventor, Lewis Latimer. Read about his association with both Hiram Maxim and Thomas Edison in developing the incandescent light bulb. This is a transcript of an accompanying radio broadcast.
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Garrett Augustus Morgan
The African American inventor of a life-saving device, mechanical traffic signals, and more had to fight for recognition.
PBS
Pbs Who Made America? Garrett Augustus Morgan
The African American inventor of a life-saving device, mechanical traffic signals, and more had to fight for recognition.
PBS
Pbs: American Exerience: George Eastman, the Final Shot
This site provides a discussion about George Eastman's later life.
PBS
Billy Wilder: Film Noir Inventor and Genius
This site is a lesson plan focused on post-World War II America and the film making career of Billy Wilder. Details on the Film Noir genre and its reflection of shifting American values. Click to a biography and timeline of Billy...
Other
Afgen.com: George Washington Carver
This resource reviews the life of famous African American inventor George Washington Carver. Includes mention of how this humble, soft-spoken man drew the attention of many important world figures of his day and how he "revolutionized...
University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Omaha: The Real Mc Coy
The University of Omaha provides a cross-curricular lesson plan for 4-6th grades involving economics and language arts. "Elijah McCoy was an African-American inventor who successfully designed an automatic oil cup that may have inspired...
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: George Washington Carver
An introduction to George Washington Carver, the talented, intelligent inventor. Learn why he was called a "Miracle Worker" for his vast knowledge of plants and agriculture. (In Spanish)
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Spark!lab: Inventor Profiles: Charlotte Cramer Sachs
Charlotte Cramer Sachs held the patents on many inventions. She invented quick baking products such as Joy muffin mixes, as well as accessories for dogs and musical games. One invention was a precursor to the retractable dog leash. A...
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Spark!lab: Inventor Profiles: Joseph B. Friedman
Joseph B. Friedman invented the bendable straw, which he patented in 1937. Read about his life here and the history of this famous invention.
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Spark!lab: Inventor Profiles: Charles F. Brannock
Charles F. Brannock's most famous invention was the Brannock Device. It is used worldwide today for measuring feet in order to determine proper shoe size. Original drawings for it can be viewed here, along with a biographical profile of...
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