Several great American inventors – some with familiar names, some who toiled outside the public spotlight – will be profiled and their work examined as part of the American Ingenuity: Embracing the Freedom to Dream program series this fall at Macomb Community College’s Lorenzo Cultural Center.
Two of the presentations during the program series, which runs Sept. 25-Nov. 21, will focus on the man who was perhaps America’s most prolific innovator, Thomas Edison.
Visitors to the series will be invited to spend “A Day in Thomas Edison’s Laboratory,” when the famed inventor’s great-grandniece Sarah Miller Caldicott, co-author of Innovate Like Edison, The Five-Step System for Breakthrough Business Success, shares stories and details of Edison’s timeless methods of innovation. In her Oct. 6 presentation, Caldicott will review how Edison created an innovation culture in his laboratory and more than 150 companies. She’ll also offer ways on how those attending the presentation can begin thinking like an innovator. Caldicott’s presentation will begin at 11 a.m. and be repeated at 1 p.m.
On Oct. 23, John Bowditch, director of exhibits at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, will compare and contrast the inventions and approaches used by Edison and by rival Nikola Tesla. Bowditch will demonstrate several of each man’s inventions and discuss their contributions to modern electrical society. The presentation will begin at 1 p.m.
Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, which revolutionized the early personal computer industry, will visit the cultural center for a Nov. 12 presentation. Wozniak will discuss the importance of creativity and innovation in education and nurturing entrepreneership.
On Nov. 10, Stanford Ovshinsky, will discuss his experiences as the founder of a new field of physics, which is based on the superconductivity of certain alloys. Ovshinsky’s work led to developments in semiconductors, solar energy and electric cars. His presentation will begin at 11 a.m.
Other presentations during the series will look at the work of Buckminster Fuller, review the contributions of Michigan inventors and look at some of the “myths” of innovation.
In addition to the presentations, a number of exhibits will be on display during the series, including Kites to Kitty Hawk, which chronicles the kites and their inventors in the movement toward the goal of man-powered flight, and Yesterday’s Tomorrows, from the Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street Program, which showcases how Americans of the late 19th and early 20th centuries envisioned the future.
The series will also include a special luncheon panel discussion on Accelerating Southeast Michigan’s Economy: Embracing Innovation and Change. The Nov. 4 luncheon will benefit the Macomb Presidential Scholarship.
Tickets are required for the Nov. 12 Steve Wozniak presentation, which begins at 7 p.m. Tickets for each event are $15, or $5 for seniors, students, and military personnel. Tickets to the presentation that include a meet & greet opportunity at 5:30-6:30 p.m. are $30. Tickets for the Nov. 4 luncheon, Accelerating Southeast Michigan’s Economy: Embracing Innovation and Change, are $50. To purchase tickets for these events, call 586.286.2222 or visit .MacombCenter.com.
All of the other presentations are free.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information on the center and on the American Ingenuity program series is available at LorenzoCulturalCenter.com
Group visits are welcome during the series and may be arranged by calling 586.445.7348.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (LorenzoCulturalCenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 48,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media contact:
Dan Heaton
586.445.7271
heatond@macomb.edu