Poster advertising the upcoming 176th anniversary celebrations at the Lewis Latimer House Museum.
Photo courtesy of Lewis Latimer House Museum.
The Lewis Latimer House Museum will celebrate the 176th anniversary of Lewis Latimer’s birth next month, honoring the life and legacy of the famous black inventor, artist and writer.
The museum, located at 34-41 137th Street in Flushing, is hosting the free event on Saturday, September 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The event will celebrate Latimer’s legacy and lasting influence on modern society, as well as his significant contributions to science and technology, including his work in developing the telephone and electric lighting.
The 176th anniversary celebrations will include scientific and artistic activities, including hands-on experiments and interactive exhibitions inspired by LatimerParticipants can also enjoy free snacks and refreshments from local vendors, as well as breakdance performances and workshops from ZeMotion and CocoMotion.
Born in 1848 to two formerly enslaved Virginians, Latimer had no access to a formal education, but taught himself technical drawing while serving in the Union Navy. He eventually became chief draftsman, patent expert and inventor, working with famous inventors such as Thomas Edison, Hiram Maxim and Alexander Graham Bell.
Hugh Price, a descendant of Lewis Latimer and Chairman of the Board of Lewis Latimer House Museum, said Latimer’s contributions to science and technology made him an inspirational role model for today’s young people.
“His historic accomplishments demonstrate the transformative and lasting contributions Black people have made to building America,” Price said in a statement.
Ran Yan, Executive Director of Lewis Latimer House Museum, said the 176th anniversary celebration was also a celebration of the local community.
“We want to encourage visitors of all ages to embrace their individual history and heritage and express themselves creatively with STEAM activities inspired by Latimer‘s work,” Yan said.
Admission to the upcoming festivities is free, but anyone wishing to attend is encouraged to obtain free tickets to the event.
Latimer lived in the building that is now the Lewis Latimer House Museum from 1903 until his death in 1928. The Queen Anne-style house remained in the Latimer family until 1963.
Facing threat of demolition, the house was moved from its original location on Holly Avenue in East Flushing to its current location on 137th Street in 1988.
The house has been extensively renovated and is now a cultural institution that provides primary research materials dealing with Latimerand the legacy of other color inventors.
