The patent models were born in the United States of America during the 19th century against a unique background. The 60 patent models of the 19th century from the United States of America for this exhibition comprise six components, covering engines, transportation means, mining, printing, and light industries, as well as daily life, giving a panoramic view about the technological advances, inventions and creations of the country in diverse fields during the 19th century. In addition, a patent certificate signed by President Gorge Washington in 1797 will also be displayed. The valuable document shows how the US, as a newly founded country, explored and attached importance to the patent system.
This April, at the Opening of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2018, General Secretary Xi Jinping remarked, “Reform and innovation are the fundamental driving force of human progress”. On the National Science and Technology Workers Day, we launch this exhibition to pay tribute to the inventors and innovators, as well as to the spirit of the inventors who persevere in their endeavor despite repeated failures. Thanks to the significant roles played by the generation upon generation of inventors and innovators, the people have pushed ahead the boundary of knowledge and enjoy ever improving living standards.
All the exhibits for this exhibition are from Hagley Museum and Library which is located in Wilmington, Delaware. Currently, Hagley Museum and Library has collected over 5,000 patent models crafted between 1809 and 1906. The scale of collection in the Hagley Museum and Library is only second to that of Smithsonian Institution.