DSC CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENTS IN SCIENCE PROGRAM

The Detroit Science Center is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting the achievements of five noteworthy African American scientists and inventors – Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Charles Richard Drew, Lewis Howard Latimer, June Bacon-Bercey and Otis Boykin. Visitors to the museum can learn more about these famous scientists and inventors, and take a scavenger hunt throughout the museum to find hands-on exhibits related to their work. The African American Achievements in Science program is made possible by The Nissan Foundation.


Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806) is best known for making astronomical calculations that enabled him to successfully forecast a 1789 solar eclipse, as well as for building one of the first watches made in America, a wooden pocket watch.


Lewis Howard Latimer (1848-1929) is credited for his advancements with circuits along with inventing carbon filament. Latimer also was a draftsman in a patent office and drafted the patent drawings for Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone patent application.


Otis Boykin (1920-1982) invented and improved electrical resistors used in computers, radios, televisions and a variety of electronic devices, helping to reduce the cost of these products. He also invented a variable resistor used in guided missile parts, a control unit for heart stimulators, a burglar-proof cash register and a chemical air filter.

Dr. Charles Richard Drew (1904-1950) developed improved techniques for blood storage and applied his knowledge in developing large-scale blood banks in early World War II. He was the first black surgeon to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery.

June Bacon-Bercey (1932-present) was the only African-American woman to earn a degree in meteorology in the 1950s. In 1970 she became the first female television meteorologist in the country.

The Detroit Science Center is open Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The museum will offer extended hours Feb. 15-19 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are $13.95 for adults and $11.95 for children and seniors.