National Inventors Hall of Fame
The National Inventors Hall of Fame, founded in 1973 in partnership with the USPTO, offers a variety of STEM education programs and operates a museum in Alexandria, Virginia, dedicated to honoring inventors and innovators.
History
The National Inventors Hall of Fame was founded in 1973 in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Since its inception, the organization has been deeply committed to promoting innovation and recognizing the significant contributions of inventors to society. Over the past 50 years, the Hall of Fame has evolved to include various educational programs, impacting over 3.3 million children, students, educators, and innovators across the nation.
STEM Education Programs
The National Inventors Hall of Fame offers a variety of STEM education programs designed to foster creativity and innovation in learners of all ages. Notable programs include Camp Invention, a nationally acclaimed summer program for children in grades K-6, and Camp Invention Connect, an at-home summer camp experience. Club Invention and Invention Project cater to different educational needs, while the Leadership Intern Program and Leaders-in-Training program provide leadership development opportunities for high school and college students. All programs qualify for various educational funding sources and offer discounts and scholarships to enhance accessibility.
Partnerships and Impact
With a network of over 2,500 partnering schools and districts nationwide, including Puerto Rico, the National Inventors Hall of Fame has made significant strides in promoting STEM education. The organization collaborates with 2,144 philanthropic partners to make STEM programs accessible to a broader audience. These partnerships have been instrumental in the outreach and impact of their programs, contributing to the development of innovative minds and future leaders across the nation.
National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum
Located at the USPTO campus in Alexandria, Virginia, the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum offers a range of exhibits that celebrate innovation and creativity. Visitors can explore the Gallery of Icons, Women in Innovation, and Breaking Barriers: Honoring Extraordinary Black Inventors. The museum, which features rotating exhibits, is open from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the first Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free, allowing broad access to inspirational stories of groundbreaking inventors and their creations.
Collegiate Inventors Competition
The Collegiate Inventors Competition, organized by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, recognizes and rewards the nation’s most creative college and university students. This competition aims to inspire the next generation of innovators by highlighting outstanding achievements and providing a platform for young inventors to showcase their ideas. It serves as a pivotal aspect of the Hall of Fame's mission to promote invention and innovation among burgeoning scientists and engineers.