This web site explores the history of inventing electric lights.
Inventors build on prior knowledge.
Success not only means making an invention work, but also convincing others to use it, and facing competitors. Finally, inventions can bring consequences unforeseen by the inventor. The doors above will lead you to Thomas Edison's light bulb invention, and to the work of 20th century lamp inventors. In the Guest Lounge you will find photographs, a reference library, and links to interesting sites. This site accompanies the exhibition Lighting A Revolution, in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History .