The National Inventors Hall of Fame today announced its 2006 inductees, some 26 of which were made posthumously. It is interesting to see just how long ago some inventions were created. (visit: http://www.invent.org/2006Induction/historical2006.asp).

 One of the most impressive, from my point of view is Granville Woods, an African American who in 1885 patented the railroad telegraph that transmitted messages between moving trains. Only having a formal education until the age of ten, and the obvious disadvantages of racial prejudice, didn't prevent this prolific innovator from creating this as well as overhead electrical conducting systems for trains and the 'third rail' that we still use. More information on Woods can be found at http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/1_3_0_induction_woods.asp

Other inventions recognized in these awards were all invented sometime between 1749 and 1952 (and many have recognizable names), include: the door lock (Mr Yale), the rigid airship (Mr Zeppelin), the Electric Street Car, (Sprague), revolver with interchangeable parts (Mr Colt), and a lot of steam powered technology back in the 1700s.

We do think we are so clever now, and have incredible technology such as computers to do our thinking for us. But these guys (yes, they all seem to be men) had none of today's advantages and yet created inventions that still shake our world today. I think this is something worth noting and, if you are interested in innovation, you probably need to visit the site: www.invent.org/

rachael