Oct 15, 2025
Host Alan Lowe continues AMSEcast’s exploration of 250 years
of American innovation with Smithsonian experts Harold Wallace Jr.,
Dr. Eric Hintz, and Tim Pula. Together, they trace invention from
Benjamin Franklin’s experiments to modern breakthroughs,
highlighting the Smithsonian’s exhibitions, collections, and
hands-on learning at Spark!Lab. The discussion spans collaboration
with the Library of Congress, the role of failure in creativity,
and how patents shape (but don’t define) innovation. The guests
also reflect on nuclear technology’s history and social impact, and
share how listeners can connect with the Lemelson Center and its
nationwide Spark!Lab network inspiring inventors of all ages.
Guest Bio
Harold Wallace Jr., curator of the electricity collections,
holds an MA and a PhD from the University of Maryland and
specializes in the history of electric light and power. Dr. Eric
Hintz, acting director of the Lemelson Center for the Study of
Invention and Innovation, earned his MA and PhD from the University
of Pennsylvania and curates exhibits on invention and creativity.
Tim Pula, interpretive exhibits inventor for Spark!Lab, designs
hands-on activities that inspire visitors of all ages to explore
the process and spirit of invention.
Show Highlights
- (3:13) How the Smithsonian shares Franklin’s contributions for the understanding of electricity and innovation
- (6:24) How the Lemelson Center uses examples of American inventors as part of their work and research
- (7:57) The back-and-forth of learning from shared collections
- (9:55) The inventions and ideas explored at Spark!Lab
- (11:08) The artifacts used to tell the Edison story
- (14:58) How failure factors into the discussion of innovation at the Lemelson Center
- (17:42) The processes inventors followed to become innovative in their fields
- (22:42) Patent models in the electrical collection of the Smithsonian Institute
- (26:11) How the Lemelson Center and Spark!Lab approaches the patent process
- (30:33) How the evolution of nuclear technology is represented
- (35:20) How to learn more about the offerings from the Smithsonian, Lemelson Center, and Spark! Lab
Links Referenced
- Wallops Station and the Creation of an American Space Program: https://www.amazon.com/Wallops-Station-Creation-American-Program/dp/1018138579
- Inventing for Sports: https://scholarlypress.si.edu/store/all/inventing-for-sports/
- American Independent Inventors in An Era of Corporate R&D: https://www.amazon.com/Independent-Inventors-Corporate-Invention-Innovation/dp/0262542587
- Does America Need More Innovators: https://www.amazon.com/America-Innovators-Lemelson-Invention-Innovation/dp/0262536730
- Lemelson Center: https://invention.si.edu
- Smithsonian main website: https://www.si.edu/
- American History Museum: https://americanhistory.si.edu/
- Smithsonian Collections Search Center: https://collections.si.edu