Dorothy Lemelson is…

Dorothy Lemelson is chairman of the Lemelson Foundation.  She founded it with her husband, Jerry, one of the world’s most prolific inventors.  Dorothy Lemelson is today fostering the couple’s dream of encouraging and supporting the next generation of inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs. In forming new avenues of opportunity for tomorrow’s creators, this family foundation focuses on understanding, documenting, and promoting invention and innovation.  These are significant contributors to the strength and sustainability of social and economic life. In the United States, the Lemelson Foundation has forged alliances with institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The Lemelson Foundation is unleashing invention and innovation to meet human needs.  With the launch of its International Program in 2002,  support sustainable development through initiatives in developing countries.

The Lemelson Education and Assistance Program (LEAP)

In addition to her work with the Lemelson Foundation, Dorothy also leads and funds the Lemelson Education and Assistance Program (LEAP).  LEAP works to improve children’s lives primarily through the support of public education. A steadfast believer that the positive, life-long lessons today’s students need are the products of inspired teachers and mentors.  Dorothy has awarded LEAP grants for 75 elementary school teachers to earn master’s degrees in literacy education.  This was done through the University of Nevada, Reno. LEAP’s outreach includes scholarships, grants to individual schools, and special programs designed to provide opportunities for at-risk students to thrive and learn.

Background

Prior to pursuing her philanthropic interests, Dorothy was a successful interior designer and owner of Dorothy Ginsberg Associates in New Jersey. The mother of two sons, Eric and Rob, she supported her family financially while her husband worked as an independent inventor from their home. Automated manufacturing systems, barcode readers, automatic teller machines, fax machines, and personal computers as well as toys such as the flexible racetrack and the crying baby doll were derived from Jerry’s inventions. Finally, Jerry Lemelson ranks among the most prolific U.S. patent holders .  He has more than 600 registered patents.

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What is the Lemelson Center?

The Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  It is part of the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution. Founded in 1995 through a generous gift from inventor Jerome Lemelson and his family.   The Center documents, interprets, and disseminates information about invention and innovation.  Therefore it encourages inventive creativity in young people.  Also the Lemelson Center fosters an appreciation for the central role that invention and innovation play . In conclusion, the Center offers a diverse array of symposiums, educational outreach programs, exhibits, research opportunities, and documentation projects.

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