Light bulbs, telephones, airplanes, vaccines and smartphones all began as an idea in someone's head. National Inventors' Day, on February 11, honors the inventors whose creativity and persistence have changed the world. It falls on the birthday of Thomas Edison, one of history's most prolific inventors, and it is a great day to celebrate invention and encourage young people to try solving problems of their own.
History of National Inventors' Day
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed February 11, 1983, as National Inventors' Day, following a joint resolution of Congress. The date was chosen because it is the birthday of Thomas Alva Edison, born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio.
Edison received 1,093 U.S. patents, more than almost anyone else. His laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey, is often called the first industrial research lab. He is known for developing a practical incandescent light bulb, the phonograph and early motion picture equipment, though he worked with large teams and built on the ideas of others.
The U.S. patent system dates back to the Constitution, which gives Congress power to protect inventors' rights. The first U.S. patent was issued in 1790. The National Inventors Hall of Fame, founded in 1973, honors inventors including Edison, the Wright brothers, Grace Hopper and many others.
Why National Inventors' Day Matters
Inventions improve health, safety, communication and daily life. Celebrating inventors encourages curiosity and creative problem-solving.
The day is also a reminder that inventors come from all backgrounds, and that many important inventions began with someone noticing an everyday problem.
How to Celebrate National Inventors' Day
- Learn about an inventor: read about someone less famous than Edison, such as Lonnie Johnson or Hedy Lamarr.
- Solve a problem: identify an everyday annoyance and sketch an invention to fix it.
- Visit a museum: science and history museums often have invention exhibits.
- Take something apart: safely disassemble an old gadget to see how it works.
- Explore patents: search online patent databases for quirky inventions.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, teams can hold a quick 'idea sprint' to brainstorm improvements to a process or product, or share stories of inventions that changed their industry. In classrooms, National Inventors' Day is ideal for a design challenge: students identify a problem, sketch an invention, build a prototype from recycled materials and present it. Research projects can highlight inventors of different backgrounds. At home, families can visit a science museum, take apart an old radio or keyboard with adult supervision, or build a simple invention such as a marble run. Encourage children to keep an 'idea notebook' for their inventions.
Fun Facts About National Inventors' Day
- Thomas Edison received 1,093 U.S. patents.
- The first U.S. patent was issued in 1790.
- The National Inventors Hall of Fame was founded in 1973.
National Inventors' Day FAQs
When is National Inventors' Day?
National Inventors' Day is February 11.
Why is it on February 11?
It is Thomas Edison's birthday.
Who created National Inventors' Day?
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed it in 1983 following a congressional resolution.
How many patents did Edison have?
Thomas Edison received 1,093 U.S. patents.