Many know Thomas Edison, but few recognize Lewis Latimer, the Black inventor and engineer whose improvements to the carbon filament made the electric light bulb practical and long-lasting. His contributions to electrical engineering, the telephone, and mechanical design shaped modern technology, yet his story remains underrepresented.

🏡 Preserving Latimer’s History in Flushing, Queens
His former home, now the Lewis Latimer House Museum, stands as a testament to his genius and impact. This museum, in partnership with Queens Public Library, holds archival materials, patents, drawings, and personal writings that offer a deeper look into Latimer’s extraordinary life. 

Our 2024 Digitization Project

In 2024, I had the privilege of working with the Lewis Latimer House Museum and Queens Public Library to digitize, catalog, and preserve Latimer’s archival collection. Our goal is to ensure that his work is accessible worldwide, expanding awareness of his contributions to science and innovation.

✅ Key Milestones So Far:
📂 Digitization of historical documents and artifacts
🗂 Metadata cataloging to improve accessibility and research
🌎 Development of a digital exhibit to bring his collection to life

🔍 Explore Latimer’s Collection
For researchers and history enthusiasts, the finding aid for Latimer’s collection at Queens Public Library is available:
📖 Lewis Latimer Papers – Finding Aid