America's Forgotten Patent Models

Step into a world of tangible ingenuity at the Hagley Museum, home to nearly 5,000 patent models—the second largest private collection in the U.S.—each a miniature marvel from centuries past, from sewing machines and cash registers to bizarre inventions like a horse hat and wrestling toy. Before 1870, inventors had to submit working physical models to prove their ideas, and some even survived the 1877 Patent Office fire. Discover the minds behind refrigerators, fire escapes, and prosthetic limbs, plus documents signed by George Washington himself, proving innovation was foundational to America’s story. A treasure trove of creativity that still inspires today. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d473f272506c4033