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Description
The movie “Hidden Figures” has shown there are many aspects of history that remain unknown. Dr. Ainissa Ramirez will share inventions that were created by Black inventors—from the light bulb to the mailbox to the ice cream scoop—during “Black Inventors Who Made the Stuff Around Us,” at the New Haven Museum on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 6 p.m., and be preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m. The NH250 event is free with regular museum admission.
From Jim West’s microphone to mathematician Gladys West’s pioneering work in creating GPS, Ramirez will feature the life and work of Black innovators who made things we use every day.
She will also share the work and life of New Haven’s own Sarah Boone (1832-1904), who was awarded one of the first U.S. patents given to an African American woman for her improvements to the ironing board. Her invention made it possible to iron corsets and other tight-fitting clothing that were in fashion at the time. Boone worked as a dressmaker and lived at 30 Winter Street in New Haven and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery.
About Ainissa Ramirez
Ramirez is a scientist and writer from New Haven, Connecticut, who is interested in uncovering the little-known innovators who contributed to our everyday lives. She received her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and her doctorate from Stanford, both in materials science and engineering. She began her career as a scientist at Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey and later joined the faculty at Yale University. She wrote the award-winning book “The Alchemy of Us” as well as the children’s book “Spark: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone.”
About NH250
This event is part of NH250, an ongoing series of programming developed by New Haven Museum to complement “America 250.” Culminating with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the series will highlight inclusive, local, and lesser-known stories, connecting past and present.
About the New Haven Museum
The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue, the Museum brings more than 375 years of New Haven history to life through its collections, exhibitions, programs and outreach. As a Blue Star Museum, the New Haven Museum offers the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, free admission all year. For more information visit http://newhavenmuseum.org or @NewHavenMuseum or call 203-562-4183.
Date & Time
Thu, Feb 12, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Venue Details
New Haven Museum
114 Whitney AvenueNew Haven, Connecticut 06510
