The Greatest Celebration of American Innovation

The 47^th Annual National Inventors Hall of Fame^® (NIHF) Induction Ceremony was held May 1-2, 2019, as we officially welcomed the newest Class of world-changing innovators into the Hall of Fame.

Before the Induction Ceremony, Inductees and their families joined us at the NIHF Museum for the Illumination Ceremony on May 1. They each placed their individual illuminated hexagons in the Gallery of Icons^™ exhibit, joining the ranks of nearly 600 other Inductees.

The 2019 Class also had the opportunity to explore the new Inductee exhibition, showcasing each of their stories and inventions with artifacts, videos and interactive features. Outside, they climbed aboard the Higgins Boat, invented by NIHF Inductee Andrew Higgins.

The following day, the 2019 Class was joined by past Inductees, sponsors and intellectual property leaders at the National Building Museum for the Induction Ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by Danica McKellar — star of the TV show “The Wonder Years,” Hallmark Channel regular, mathematician and author.

Throughout this two-day event, attendees heard the awe-inspiring stories behind our new Inductees and their groundbreaking inventions, from life-saving technologies to innovations that impact our daily lives. Each of the Inductees accepted their medals, presented on stage by United States Patent and Trademark Office officials, mentors and company representatives. NIHF Inductee Edmund O. Schweitzer III was even introduced by his son!

After the Induction Ceremony, attendees hit the dance floor and mingled at the Innovation Celebration!

By sharing the stories of these innovators, NIHF inspires the next generation and provides recognition for the inventors who have changed our world. You can learn more about our newest Class of Inductees in our online library.

Thanks to the support of our partners, NIHF is able to honor exceptional inventors every year. Many thanks to our presenting partner, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and all 2019 sponsors, including Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, IBM, Qualcomm and Stanley Black & Decker for making this event happen!