The Lewis Latimer House Museum will celebrate the 176th birthday of Lewis Latimer next month, celebrating the life and legacy of the renowned Black inventor, artist and writer.
The museum, located at 34-41 137th St. in Flushing, will host the free event from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sep. 14.
The event is a celebration of Latimer’s legacy and his enduring impact on modern-day society, paying tribute to his significant contributions to the fields of science and technology, including his work on developing the telephone and electric lighting.
The 176th birthday celebration features science and art activities, including hands-on experiments and interactive exhibitions inspired by Latimer‘s inventions. Attendees can also enjoy free snacks and refreshments from local vendors, as well as break-dance performances and workshops led by ZeMotion and CocoMotion
Born in 1848 to two formerly enslaved Virginians, Latimer had no access to formal education, but taught himself mechanical drawing while serving in the Union Navy. He eventually became a chief draftsman, patent expert and inventor, working alongside celebrated inventors, including Thomas Edison, Hiram Maxim and Alexander Graham Bell.
Hugh Price, a descendant of Lewis Latimer and the Board Chair of the Lewis Latimer House Museum, said Latimer’s contributions to science and technology make him an inspiring role model for young people today.
“His historic accomplishments demonstrate the transformative and enduring contributions that Black people have made to building America,” Price said in a statement.
Ran Yan, Executive Director of the Lewis Latimer House Museum, said the 176th birthday celebration was also a celebration of the local community.
“We aim to encourage visitors of all ages to embrace their individual history and ancestry and express themselves creatively with STEAM activities inspired by Latimer’s work,” Yan said.
Entry to the upcoming celebration is free, but anyone wishing to attend is encouraged to secure free tickets to the event.
Latimer lived in what is now the Lewis Latimer House Museum from 1903 until his death in 1928. The Queen Anne-style house remained in the possession of the Latimer family until 1963.
Threatened with demolition, the house was moved from its original location on Holly Avenue in East Flushing to its present-day location on 137th Street in 1988.
The house has undergone extensive renovations and is now a cultural institution that provides primary research materials dedicated to Latimer’s legacy and the legacies of other inventors of color.
