Oct. 3, 2023 By Rachel Butler
The Lewis Latimer House Museum in Flushing have thanked Queens Rep. Grace Meng, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Council Member Sandra Ung, among others for speaking at celebrations to mark the 175th birthday of Lewis Latimer, which took place at the museum on Sept. 16.
The celebration was free to the public and filled with lively performances, engaging science and art activities for people of all ages.
“We extend our sincerest gratitude to our esteemed speakers at Lewis Latimer’s 175th birthday celebration,” a Lewis Latimer House Museum representative said in a statement to QNS. “Their collective emphasis on innovation, creativity, and the celebration of diversity resonated deeply with all of us.”
The Mobile Lewis Latimer Lab was featured during the celebration. The state-of-the-art lab on wheels, which brings science education to communities across New York City, gave children the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of circuits and electricity by creating their own paper circuits.
The museum also welcomed Meng’s resolution calling for a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Latimer. Meng delivered a speech t the celebration, during which she discussed the resolution.
“Lewis Latimer’s life and story is a real-life example of the American dream and a commemorative stamp honoring that story is a great way to recognize an amazing person who spent over two decades living in Queens, New York,” said Meng. “Latimer’s work, not only in the scientific community, but also for the advancement of civil rights for Black Americans cannot be understated. Despite his passing nearly a century ago, his contributions are still appreciated today and honoring him with a commemorative stamp is just one way we can show that appreciation.”
The museum thanked Meng, Richards and Ung for their support.
“Special shoutouts to Council Member Sandra Ung for graciously distributing meals donated by Grubhub, to Rep. Grace Meng for introducing a House resolution calling for a commemorative postage stamp to honor the legacy of Lewis Latimer and to [Meng] and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for their proclamations naming Sept. 16 Lewis Howard Latimer Day! Our board members who were present were honored and proud to have accepted this recognition of Latimer on behalf of the museum!”
For more information about the Lewis Latimer Museum, visit lewislatimerhouse.org.