Cleveland's famous African Americans - Garrett Morgan, George Peake, Charles Chestnutt, and others - are discussed here in the context of general information about African American history in Ohio.

Jan Ernst Matzeliger is remembered for his creation that had a tremendous effect on the shoe industry. He was a Surinamese inventor of the "lasting machine," patented in 1883.

Otis Boykin was a successful African American inventor whose inventions include resistors for electrical equipment and missiles, a controller for pacemakers, and a burglar-proof cash register.

Joseph B. Friedman invented the bendable straw, which he patented in 1937. Read about his life here and the history of this famous invention.

This website contains biographical information about Robert Fulton, including the events leading up to his design of the first successful steamboat.

A biography of Thomas Edison, the "confused" young student who ended up being one of the greatest inventors in history. Offers a brief list of his many important inventions.

Hedy Lamarr was an Austrian-American actress and inventor who pioneered the technology that would one day form the basis for today's WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth.

In this student-written article, read about Madam C.J. Walker, the pioneering entrepreneur who started the first hair-care products line for African-American women.

The hideaway bed was originally invented by a former slave and furniture store owner, Sarah E. Goode.

Learn about inventor and African-American slave, Benjamin Bradley, developer of a steam engine large enough to run the first steam-powered warship.

A Virginia farmer invented a mechanical reaper, then harvested profits in the Midwest's exploding grain belt, innovating credit, service, and sales practices that became essential parts of American big business.

People awoke not with the rising of the sun, but with the rude, mechanical jangling of an alarm clock at their bedsides. The clock, rather than the sun or any rhythms of nature or body, determined the patterns of life and work. People...

An account of Samuel Morse's life and career, with links to related information. Uses popups for photos.

An account of Samuel Morse's life and career, with links to related information.

This is an excellent biography of Lewis Howard Latimer. It discusses his joy of learning throughout his entire life, and also includes additional links to help illustrate the topics presented.

This site from Grace Products Corporation provides a wealth of information detailing George Washington Carver's life. Content includes a biography, timeline, and more.

This is a great resource for information on Elijah McCoy. This mechanical engineer revolutionized the locomotive industry with his invention. Links to photographs and additional information are available also.