Join the USPTO for a multipart series on history and invention by registering for the The Hand of History—The Mind of the Inventor.

About this event

Join us for a month-long journey into the history of innovation by registering for the USPTO webinar series, The Hand of History—The Mind of the Inventor, and uncover the key concepts, gleaned from the experience of historical inventors, that continue to shape our world and our inventive activities.

Just like last year, but with a focus more on the 20th century than the 19th, we’ve assembled a group of historians with great stories to tell about specific inventors, their patents, and the crucial role of invention in economic progress. Presenters will delight attendees with their in-depth knowledge of iconic inventors and their successes, failures, and idiosyncrasies, which combine to reveal the inventive genius of patentees from the 1900s to the 1950s, a golden age of American patenting and progress. USPTO historian Adam Bisno will moderate, fielding your questions and keeping the discussion moving.

Designed for today’s inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs, as well as history buffs and the intellectually curious, this interactive webinar series features four installments. We encourage you to register now for one, several, or all of the sessions.

June 7

Marc Raboy, Professor Emeritus, Art History & Communication Studies, McGill University

Inventor: Gugliemo Marconi

Invention: Wireless telecommunications networks

June 14

Evan I. Schwartz, Author, journalist, documentary filmmaker

Inventor: Philo Farnsworth

Invention: Television

June 21

Jill D. Snider, Historian, author

Inventor: Lucean Arthur Headen

Inventions: Engines, automobiles, and aircraft anti-icing methods

June 28

Rebekah Oakes, Public historian, USPTO Social Media Manager

Inventor: Beulah Louise Henry

Inventions: Toys, typewriter attachments, sewing machines, and apparel

For more information, please email Easternregionaloutreachoffice@uspto.gov.