This gallery will approach invention as an activity characterized by “thinking outside the box”. An array of puzzles of varying degrees of difficulty will challenge you to consider multiple conclusions and will entice participation and support from on-lookers. Illusions reinforce the message that there is always more than one way to look at things. The look and feel of the gallery is of a giant interlocking puzzle with pieces distributed throughout the space. The gallery reflects an interpretive approach that seeks to create connections between creative problem solving, illusions and the work of real inventors.

Interactive Sculpture

Stephen Gerberich, who “turns everyday objects into wonderfully bizarre mechanical creations” will design an interactive sculpture, focusing on types of motion.  Visitors use hand cranks, pedals and levers to drive the mechanisms.   

The sculpture will integrate found objects, hybrids of machine parts, bike parts, etc. Objects will also evoke or relate to Connecticut history, industry and inventions as much as possible.

Chain Recation Ball Machines

Visitors figure out how to cause a chain reaction using strategically placed golf balls, and setting up triggers along a pathway.

They can test if they’ve set up the apparatus correctly by releasing  the first ball and seeing if the chain reaction of events continues to the end. Three stations accommodate visitors of different sizes, abilities, and skill levels.

CT Firsts: Multimedia Archive - Named

A modular display system with several units will accommodate the display of many small objects such as a prototype SX-70 Polaroid camera, an original Mrs. Frisbie’s Pies pie plate (the original Frisbee), and a Pitney Bowes postage meter, all Connecticut inventions.

Visitors view a variety of Connecticut ‘firsts,’ and learn about the many objects invented in Connecticut from colonial days through the late 20th century.

CT Innovations: Behind the Scenes

Visitors select video segments of the stories of scientists and engineers in a variety of environments in which innovation and invention is taking place in CT.  Innovation ‘hotspots’ and incubators will range from the R&D labs of aerospace engineering, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to environmental and nanotechnology projects. On-camera interviewees will be chosen to inspire viewers – especially young people – to see the passion, excitement and fun of a career in science or engineering. (Photo: Helmet testing at University of Hartford’s College of Engineering & Technology)

Idea Generator Drawing Stations

Visitors trace drawings of a variety of components on light tables to invent their own personal transportation vehicles.

Photos of unusual vehicles and historical manned-flight inventions are shown for inspiration.

Connecticut Invention Convention Display

While sitting at an observing station, participants explore a projected image of the night sky. The section of sky being explored is marked with a box that moves over the large projected image. Each station has its own box on the large projected image.

Visitors can pan across the sky, zooming in on objects which they can then view in various wavelengths.

Electronic Toys Interactive

Visitors play with a recombination of “hacked” battery-operated toy parts that individually make kinetic, musical and light effects happen with many variations.

By pushing different combinations of buttons, visitors create new sound-and-light displays within an artist-provided sculptural assembly, often with surprising and delightful results.