The Lewis Latimer House Museum is reopening after months of renovation.
Lewis Latimer is one of the most pivotal American inventors you’ve likely never heard of. A Black inventor, Latimer was instrumental in developing the telephone with Alexander Graham Bell and the lightbulb with Thomas Edison. He also pioneered early versions of the modern air conditioner and improved mechanisms used in train bathrooms.
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The Lewis Latimer House Museum temporarily closed to install a new exhibit, which you can explore starting Saturday, June 15. The reopening celebration, from 1-4pm, features a marching band, sculpture-making station, ceramics workshops, an African drum and dance circle, and more.
The museum has five galleries, including:
- “Light up the World”: Showcasing Latimer’s impact on modern technology and culture.
- “A Definite Purpose”: Exploring Latimer’s life within historical context and the challenges he faced due to his Black identity.
- “A Legacy of Imagination”: Highlighting Latimer’s family history and their involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.
- “Community at the Center”: Examining Latimer’s role in the Harlem Renaissance.
For younger visitors, the Latimer Lab offers hands-on lessons in science, technology, and engineering.
After the reopening, the Latimer House Museum will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11am to 5pm. Admission is pay-as-you-wish, with a suggested donation of $5 per person. For more information, visit the museum’s website.
