Flushing in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Lewis H. Latimer House Museum
Flushing Freedom Mile
Lewis Howard Latimer was one of the most significant innovators in early electricity pioneering. He purchased this house in 1902 and lived there until his death in 1928. Along with Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, Latimer helped usher in America's 20th Century technological revolution.
In 1879 Latimer invented the carbon filament the device that makes electric lights practicable and affordable. By 1882 Latimer had patented several improvements to the incandescent light bulb.
In 1885, Latimer began working at the Edison Electric Light Company (now General Electric), eventually being named chief draftsman. He authored "Incandescent Lighting," widely regarded as the foundation for modern day electrical engineering theory and practice. He was also the company's chief patent investigator and expert witness.
[Captions:] Lewis Latimer on his porch, ca. 1920. Originally on Holly Avenue, the house was moved in 1988 and was designated a City landmark in 1995. (top, left)
Latimer's patent drawing for the arc lamp, submitted in 1881. This was one of seven patents he received. (top,
this page online
The title page of Latimer's book, published in 1890. This was one of the first guides on electric lighting. The handwritten notes on the page are Latimer's own. (bottom)
Lewis Latimer (1848-1928) is depicted here as a young man, ca. 1868. (right)
Erected by Queens Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the New York, Flushing Freedom Mile series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.
Location. 40° 45.95′ N, 73° 49.753′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in Queens County. It is in Flushing. Marker is at the intersection of Leavitt Street and 137th Street, on the left when traveling north on Leavitt Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 34-27 Leavitt St, Flushing NY 11354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lewis H. Latimer House (within shouting distance of this marker); Flushing High School (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War I Memorial (about 800 feet away); Flushing Town Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Flushing Town Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Aspinwall House
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
