Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue

I’ll never forget the time I asked my Mother how she could possibly tolerate watching a colorized version of IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, a movie we enjoyed for years in beautiful black and white.  Her response was surprising, immediate and unashamed: “I see the world in color,” she said, barely looking up from her popcorn, “not black and white.” Mom, …

Too Much of A Good Thing

Can a rabbit’s foot bring you good luck?  Is it possible to use dousing rods to find water? Can tarot cards predict your future? Will a tin-foil hat protect you from people wanting to control your mind? Is a Ouija board the best way to communicate with a person who just happens to be dead? Today there are many questionable …

Playing the Hits

We learned a long time ago that it takes more than a world-class collection to attract visitors from, well, all over the world. It takes more than new displays, and scores of interactive devices to create the kind of memorable experience visitors expect when coming to our beloved Museum of Electrical Invention. “As wonderful as the collection is, without a …

Bad To the Bone

At the beginning of the 20th Century, a lot of promises were made about how science and technology would improve the quality of our daily lives. And for most of us, science has delivered on its promise to create a better world, with smarter medicine, safer transportation, lightning-fast communication and, of course, a perfectly fitting pair of shoes. Huh? Yep, …

The Speeds of Sound

One of the best things about living in today’s world is having so much access to so much music. Whether streaming music on Spotify, purchasing songs on iTunes, or enjoying music videos on YouTube, your favorite music is accessible and available like never before. Frankly, for many of us, we can no longer imagine existing without the ability to carry …

Anybody Out There?

“Those who have been saved, have been saved through one man, Mr. Marconi… and his marvelous invention” – Herbert Samuel, Postmaster General Today, whether for business or pleasure, millions of people travel billions of miles more quickly and safely than ever before. Folks are covering vast distances that were unimaginable just a few hundred years ago. The Atlantic Ocean is …

Now, More Than Ever

It’s always humbling when we stop and reflect on the amazing people who have made a lasting impact on our beloved museum. Some of those people were there from the start, when SPARK was just a big building, a fantastic collection, and a dream we wanted to bring to life. People like Bob Foote. Robert “Bob” Foote (December 4, 1914 …

Eggheads

Of all the terrific artifacts and demonstrations featured at the SPARK Museum, we think the most clever is the recreation of Nikola Tesla’s famous Egg of Columbus display, featured in SPARK’s War of the Currents exhibit. The egg was inspired by the Italian explorer and guy who bumped into the New World four times and refused to acknowledge it, Christopher …

Born To Nip

It’s always surprising what visitors—especially kids—find memorable about their experience at the SPARK Museum. For some, it’s seeing the rare artifacts and original devices. For others, it’s the hair-raising demonstrations, and interactive galleries. (We defy anyone to forget seeing Elvis, the singing Tesla coil, as it blasts-out a familiar melody via 4 foot bolts of synthesized lightning. You can’t unsee …

From Accident to Aliens

By Hannah Durland Picture this: You’re watching an old sci-fi movie. The scene opens with a slow pan over an alien landscape. Nothing has happened yet, but the heroes still walk forward with apprehension. Everyone is waiting for the break in the tension, for something to happen. Then, a strange high-pitched sound is played, announcing the arrival of the alien …