Touring museum highlights African-American inventors

The African American Inventors and Inventions Traveling Museum will be at Ohio University on Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Baker University Theatre Lounge from noon to 6 p.m. as part of the Black History Month celebrations.

This museum is part of "Reflections in Black African American History on Wheels," a collection of six museums focusing on the accomplishments of many black professionals, according to a news release. The event is sponsored by OU's Black Student Cultural Programming Board and Multicultural Programs.

Founded by Clifton J. Brown in 1998, the museum is based in Cleveland. It holds a collection of inventions, rare artifacts, African art, sculptures, paintings and historical articles from black newspapers. According to the release, some highlights of the museum include: gas mask, golf tee, ice cream scoop, ink pen, instant potatoes, pencil sharpener, traffic signal and Dasani drinking water. Each artifact display includes the patent date, a biographical sketch of the inventor, and additional historical information and facts.

The museum aims to educate, motivate and inspire others by sharing little known information about the contributions of African Americans throughout history, according to the release. The exhibit is free and open to the public.