American innovation is a story of our country. Diverse contributions and advancements from every state and territory make historic impacts on global advancement. From farms to cities and sea to shining sea, inspiration is your neighbor, and invention is just around the corner.
Innovation is found everywhere around the globe, but the inspiration starts in our States and territories. From inventing the commercial steel plow in Illinois, to the historic Saturn V rocket in Alabama, to the life-saving defibrillator in Maine, to Dr. Carver’s agricultural genius in Missouri, this year’s series proves that innovation lives right at home.
As Americans began to settle in the Midwest, Illinois became pivotal in helping settlers cultivate and tame the challenging terrain. The invention and production of the commercial steel plow sparked migration to the Midwest throughout the 1800s, and marked the beginning of the industrial age in agriculture.
As the tallest, heaviest, and most powerful rocket ever brought to operational status, the Saturn V rocket was used for Apollo 11 – taking humans to the moon for the first time. The rocket remains the only launch vehicle to carry humans as far as the moon.
Dr. Bernard Lown’s direct current defibrillator – also known as the cardioverter – saved countless lives and helped change healthcare forever. The renowned cardiologist also pioneered research on the effects of stress and the cardiovascular system.
Dr. George Washington Carver’s innovative discoveries in crop sciences diversified Southern agriculture and provided new opportunities for farmers. The agricultural scientist found hundreds of creative uses of multiple crops that maximized their demand and profitability.
Discover the innovative Higgins boat, the birth of American car culture, the first human lung transplant, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.
Kentucky, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont
Celebrate the birth of bluegrass music, snowboarding, the historic yacht, Reliance, and rural electrification by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Virginia
Honor the first home video game console, the revolutionary Erie Canal, the first public university, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, South Carolina
From the Gerber Variable Scale to the Hubble telescope, to the trusty telephone, to civil rights pioneer, Septima Poinsette Clark, innovation lives in these states.
Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
Astronomer, Annie Jump Cannon, the experimental Trustee’s Garden, a life-changing Polio vaccine, and the Edison light bulb are commemorated for your collection.