Inspired by an exhibition by the National Museum of American History, the exhibit features stories gathered from diverse communities across the nation. Photographs, engaging interactives, objects, videos, and augmented reality bring a multilayered experience to reveal the leaders, challenges, successes, and future of innovation in each town.

The Smithsonian exhibit is free to everyone. Visitors can enjoy the rest of Raven Hill Discovery Center with an entrance fee of $10, which includes a special viewing of their newest exploratory section on “Innovation or Invention?” In this section, you’ll get inspiration for bringing inventions to life by learning about what goes on inside a patent office.

A kick-off celebration will be held on Saturday, August 26th from noon – 4pm. Activities will include seeing a 3D printer run on solar energy in the Alternative Energy House, a ham radio in operation, tours of the Evolving Technology Building and presentations with historians, like a fiber artist and a working blacksmith. You can also hear stories of female innovators and inventors!