Neighbor News
New CHS Exhibit “Connecticut Innovates!” Looks at How Creative Minds Changed the World
Exhibit highlights Connecticut companies and inventors who have had effect on progress in state, nation and world.
Throughout its history, Connecticut’s residents have explored, experimented and searched for new ideas and ways of doing things to improve life. That has led to a long history of innovation within the state by individuals and companies – resulting in the invention of thousands of different products from simple springs and sockets to massive helicopters, jet engines, nuclear submarines and so much in between.
To celebrate this creative ingenuity, The Connecticut Historical Society opens a new exhibit “Connecticut Innovates!” which explores some of the most unique innovations and ideas that have been produced in the state since the 1800s, and the stories behind them. The exhibit runs now through March 25, 2017 and is presented by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public agency that operates as a venture capital fund for high-tech companies.
The exhibit examines why Connecticut’s people, resources and environment were able to foster such a hot spot of innovation, focusing on such major companies as Barnes Industrial Springs, Hubbell, Electric Boat, United Technologies, Stanley Black & Decker, Kaman, Siemon, Sikorsky, and Pepperidge Farms.
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“Connecticut has long been a force for new ideas and creativity, and we wanted to shine a light on the stories behind some of these inventions,” Jody Blankenship, CEO of the CHS, said. “We know visitors will enjoy learning why and how things were created here, the impact these ideas had on society, and how they will affect Connecticut’s future. Of course, we also hope to inspire others to create and innovative themselves—so they can become part of our history as well.”
A robust line of public programming will accompany the exhibition, beginning with a December 8 evening lecture by historian Dr. Eric S. Hintz on Hartford’s role as a hub of innovation in the 19th century. Dr. Hintz, from the Lemelson Center at the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C., served as curator for its exhibit, Places of Invention, which highlights Hartford and features items loaned by the CHS. For registration details, visit www.CHS.org.
