Raising innovative, problem solving, critical thinkers is what modern parents aim to do. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education is an important part of that. We're always looking to engage kids in these disciplines - it’s the way of the future.
What if I told you STEAM thinking was also the way of the past?
Historic figures were the innovators of generations past! One such person was Rufus Porter. A man who grew up right here in Maine and spent his life inventing, creating and inspiring! I visited the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity where Executive Director, Karla Leandri Rider walked me through the exhibits and "introduced" me to Rufus Porter.
 |
Porter worked on his family farm, but wanted more time to do the things he loved. He was a painter, famous for portraits and murals, and an inventor. To get through his farm work faster, he started inventing small machines and mechanisms to help.
Some of his patents include improvements to:
- Corn shellers
- Cheese presses
- Fire alarms
- Clocks
Even before the Wright Brothers, Porter was working on plans for an aerial locomotive!
His rotary pump provided the basic design used in today’s heart pumps.
Porter founded Scientific American Magazine, a publication that’s still in print today.
 |
Kids will enjoy activities that highlight Porter's contributions to art and science. Visit the museum's kids activities page to play with portraits, make invisible ink and start thinking like Rufus Porter.
The museum supports other STEAM initiatives that inspire kids too. This year they will award 50 scholarships to enroll Maine kids in Camp Invention, a nationally based science camp not operated by the museum.
 |
The Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity is located at 121 Main Street in Bridgton. It opens for the 2022 season on June 11th. Come see how this local man changed the world - way back in the 1800's.
