The contributions of an often overlooked 19th-century scientist whose discoveries were instrumental in advancing the work of inventors like Edison, Bell and Morse will be featured in a unique exhibit in the Nott Memorial Nov. 6 through Jan. 8.
Albany native Joseph Henry, a scientist who eventually became the first
head of the Smithsonian Institution, never sought the fame or fortune that so drove the
careers of some of his contemporaries. Instead, he was content to revel in pure science
while others used his discoveries – and his encouragement – to develop and
commercialize inventions like the telephone, telegraph and electric motor.
The exhibit will include, among many other artifacts, the world's
first commercial telephone, invented and built by Alexander Graham Bell, on loan from the
Smithsonian. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Hours are noon to 10 p.m., Sunday
through Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday. (Between Nov. 22 and Jan. 3,
hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily, except holidays.)
There will be an opening reception and gallery talk on Nov. 13, at 4
p.m. in the Nott Memorial. Frank Wicks, professor of mechanical engineering and curator of
the exhibit, will give a talk titled “Joseph Henry: An Enduring Legacy.”
This year marks the 200th anniversary of Henry's birth.