The National Inventors Hall of Fame will honor the 28th class of inductees at a formal black-tie ceremony, hosted by noted actor Danny Glover, at its world class museum on Saturday, September 9, 2000.
The accomplishments of these inductees range from the revolution of the personal computer, the clarity of sound and music on the radio and the art of animation and film as we know it today to a breakthrough medical test for diabetics and the refinement of metals that produce quality-of-life materials that range from high-purity glass to artificial joints and golf clubs.
This year's inductees are: Walt Disney, Reginald Fessenden, Alfred Free, Helen Murray Free, J. Franklin Hyde, William Kroll and Steve Wozniak. Ms. Free and Mr. Wozniak will attend the ceremony while the remaining five inductees will be honored posthumously by selected representatives.
The inventions that earned each inductee a place in the Hall of Fame include:
The National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation Selection Committee, comprised of representatives from national scientific and technical organizations, votes each year to select the most qualified inventors whose patented inventions best contribute to the nation's welfare and promote the progress of science and useful arts.
The induction ceremony is the culmination of a series of events entitled 'Celebrating What's Next.' "This is a celebration of seven super minds who have greatly contributed to the country's welfare and promoted the progress of science," says Thomas E. Smith, president of the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation. "While we honor these men and women for what they have accomplished, we also must keep our eyes on what lies ahead through our mission to foster the entrepreneurial and inventive spirit.
"To that end, the National Inventors Hall of Fame will also host the Collegiate Inventors Competition, which recognizes cutting-edge, college-aged inventors who have the talent and drive that may one day earn them the honor we are bestowing on this year's National Inventors Hall of Fame inductees. And, many of our past inductees will return to Akron to participate in school visits that encourage young minds to dream, create and invent."
A conference about intellectual property law, a series of luncheons featuring guest speakers and a live web chat with past and present inductees will also round out the four-day celebration.
All inductees are honored through a permanent exhibit at the National Inventors Hall of Fame facility. Opening its doors to the public in 1995, the museum has welcomed more than 700,000 visitors to open their minds to the innovative exhibits and programs that honor and celebrate the inventions of all 158 National Inventors Hall of Fame inductees.