The Hagley Museum and Library Visitor Center in Wilmington, Delaware, houses an exhibit called “Nation of Inventors,” displaying patent models dating back to the 1790s. Curator Chris Cascio showcased a variety of intriguing inventions, including a machine for preserving fish and a miniature boat by Abraham Lincoln. The exhibit reflects America’s history of innovation, from unique devices like a cooling hat for horses to multifunctional furniture adapted for compact city living. The collection emphasizes the optimism and creativity of American inventors, capturing a moment in time when mechanized production was transforming society. Visitors can even purchase their own miniature patent models online, keeping the spirit of invention alive.
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/americas-last-top-models