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American Innovators
1742 {200+ years} 1965
They each started with an idea, but they didn’t stop there—even in the face of prejudice, lack of formal education, or class constraints. They persevered. They refused to be limited by conventional thinking. They ignored the criticism. They changed the world.
Innovation is a cornerstone of the American identity. In a nation of immigrants, the genius of innovation has emerged from every ethnic group, gender, economic condition, educational background and race. This exhibit illustrates the diversity of American innovation by telling the stories of 17 unique individuals: people who represent a small slice of the vast amount of innovation that has occurred in America since its colonial beginnings.
» View American Innovators Timeline
Telecommunications
1845 {150 years} 1995
As our culture undergoes continual change, few things have had a more powerful impact than the rapid advances in electronic communication, more specifically in the areas of telecommunications and data communications.
From the advent of the telegraph in 1845 (which allowed people for the first time to rapidly communicate over vast distances) to the invention of the telephone to the development of the Internet, the means of long-distance communication have steadily improved through major innovations by a large number of people. This exhibit illustrates a century and a half of technological transition through the use of artifacts, visuals and digital video and serves as a primary teaching tool for the Telecom Program at the DMACC West Campus.
» View Telecommunications Timeline
Personal Computing
1975 {20 years} 1995
Since 1975, the personal computer has developed from a machine with little practical use to a product that touches almost everyone in some way. As an example of innovation, the PC embodies the epitome of process thinking as it continues to evolve through the continuous contributions of many different people.
Most college students today were born after personal computers became commonplace in society. As a result, some students typically view the PC as nothing more than a common appliance and may not be able to fully appreciate its impact. This exhibit illustrates the relatively rapid development and innovation of the PC by creating a linear timeline through the use of artifacts, visuals and digital video and tells the stories of the many people who had a direct impact on its incremental development.
» View Personal Computing Timeline
ciWeek
each {5 days} year
Recent studies and employer surveys have pointed to a deficiency in creativity and innovation skills in graduates of both two- and four-year colleges and universities.
Innovation is a critical element of growth at all levels. An additional aspect of the exhibition is the annual spring ciWeek (Celebrate! Innovation Week). During this week, DMACC West classes are suspended and students are immersed in a variety of interactive subjects surrounding the topics of creativity and innovation. The intent of ciWeek is to engage students in a focused context outside of their normal studies to help them see both the value and process of innovation, as well as some of the people currently involved in it.