The Smithsonian's Lemelson Center

The Smithsonian's Lemelson Center The Lemelson Center has been leading the study of invention and innovation at the Smithsonian since 1995 Welcome to the Lemelson Center's page!

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The Smiths

onian’s Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation’s activities advance scholarship on the history of invention, share stories about inventors and their work, and nurture creativity in young people. The Lemelson Center embodies a philosophy akin to that of the inventors we study, of valuing creativity and embracing the potential rewards of intellectual risk-taking. The Center is supported by The Lemelson Foundation, a private philanthropy established by one of the country’s most prolific inventors, Jerome Lemelson, and his family. The Lemelson Center is located in the National Museum of American History. The Lemelson Hall of Invention and Spark!Lab are on the First Floor, West Wing of the Museum.

06/03/2026

At noon on Wednesday, June 3, Eric Hintz, director of The Smithsonian's Lemelson Center, will present reflections on regional innovation cultures while highlighting Mississippi’s significant contributions to American industry and innovation, for at the Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Visitors are also encouraged to view "Mississippi Made," a special exhibit currently on display at the museums, sponsored by Wayne-Sanderson Farms.

This free event will also stream live on the MDAH page and YouTube channel. This program is part of the "Making History, Making Change Lecture Series" organized by Smithsonian Affiliations as part of the Smithsonian’s "Our Shared Future: 250". It is supported in part by the Dreier Family, Johanna and Ken Kim Family, Vaishali Shah Chadha and Family, and Michael Vu and Meridel Bulle-Vu.

Now Available: The Lemelson Center’s 2025 Activities Report!From dynamic public programs and new educational initiatives...
05/07/2026

Now Available: The Lemelson Center’s 2025 Activities Report!

From dynamic public programs and new educational initiatives to thought-provoking exhibitions and digital storytelling, this report highlights how we engaged audiences of all ages throughout the year around themes of innovation and invention.

Whether you joined us in person, tuned in online, or are discovering our work for the first time, we invite you to explore the report and learn how the Lemelson Center is inspiring generations of creative problem-solvers.

View the full report here: https://invention.si.edu/invention-stories/2025-lemelson-center-activities-report

In February, we had the honor of hosting Harry Edwards for our Innovative Lives program. Through his scholarship and adv...
04/14/2026

In February, we had the honor of hosting Harry Edwards for our Innovative Lives program. Through his scholarship and advocacy, Edwards established the sociology of sports and reframed the role of athletes in conversations about equity, power, and public life.

In our latest blog post, revisit his reflections on the intellectual and social foundations of his work and watch the full program recording:

In February 2026, the Center hosted a virtual conversation with Harry Edwards, the founder of the sociology of sport as an academic discipline. 

Address

14th Street And Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington D.C., DC
20013

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 11am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 5:30pm
Thursday 10am - 5:30pm
Friday 11am - 5:30pm
Saturday 11am - 5:30pm
Sunday 11am - 5:30pm

Telephone

(202) 633-3656

Website

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