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International exhbit showcases African American inventions
X-Press Assistant Editor An international museum display of African American inventions and artifacts was showcased in the Dryden ISF Thursday, Feb.8. The Black Inventions Museum was sponsored by the African American Advisory Council and featured in its month-long program of events in observance of February's African American History Month. As visitors to the Black Inventions Museum entered the ISF, they viewed a video chronicling the achievements of African American inventors from the 19th century to the present day. The "Making it Happen: Masters of Invention" video highlighted the inventions of numerous African Americans and enabled the visitor to understand the scope of African American achievements. Visitors then engaged in a self-guided tour of the museum exhibits displayed throughout the ISF. In addition to featuring inventors, the museum exhibits featured famous African Americans, including 14 African American astronauts and numerous entrepreneurs, philanthropists and scientists. By the end of the day-long event, many members of the Dryden community had visited the museum event, as had students, teachers and parents from four schools within the Muroc Joint Unified School District. African American Advisory Council Chair Shawn G. Hill had invited the schools to take part in the special event in an effort to augment the African American History Month programs being taught at area schools. "The Black Inventions Museum is a great program. It promotes positive self-images and self-esteem in children and adults. I wanted to invite the schools because it would help teachers and parents teach children about the contributions that Africans and African Americans have made throughout the world." "We're very excited to be here," said Nancy Whitman, a third grade teacher at Branch Elementary School. "One of our parents was so excited about today's event that she couldn't sleep last night." "I'm having fun learning how people invent things," said Morgan Bries-master, a second grader at Branch Elementary School. "It's going to be fun when I go home today and see all of these things I saw here today because I didn't know they were invented by somebody." Raquel Highsmith, a third grader at Branch Elementary School, and her father Zach Highsmith were eager to share the experience of the Black Inventions Museum. "I'm enjoying sharing some time with my daughter as we learn about a lot of the astronauts and the inventors," said Zach Highsmith. "It's been very informative." "It was interesting to see who invented peanut butter, the ironing board, and the Snuggli, and to see all of the astronauts," added Raquel Highsmith. "I didn't know that these people invented all of these things." The Black Inventions Museum also appeared at the Edwards Air Force Base Oasis Recreation Center Feb. 9. |
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Responsible NASA Official: John Childress For questions, contact: Dryden Web Group Page Curator:WD-Team Modified: March 26, 2001 |
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