Celebration of American Contributions to Science
The importance of America’s contributions to science and, in particular, Benjamin Franklin (1705–1790) as the discoverer of electricity, is celebrated throughout the Jefferson Building. When the building was completed in 1897, the United States was eager to celebrate many American inventions made practicable by scientific advances relating to electricity. These include the telegraph, the telephone, electrical motors and lighting devices, and the elevator. Throughout the building the bare light bulbs with visible filaments celebrate this American invention and point to its importance to the building.