Join us on Wednesday, February 5th for the 2020 kick-off of the award-winning, Innovative Lives program series at the National Museum of American History. Innovative Lives: Adaptive Skateboarding, WCMX, and Inventing Your Own Path features adaptive skateboarders Oscar Loreto, Jr. and Dan Mancina, and WCMX (Wheelchair Motocross) icon Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham. Together, through personal stories and conversation, these inspiring figures will explore how innovation drives accessibility and the critical role of diversity, adaptability, and inclusion in skate and WCMX culture.

Free registraion is required - click on the "Select A Date" button to reserve tickets.

Doors open and light reception at 6:00 p.m.

Program begins at 6:45 p.m.

The Lemelson Center’s award-winning public program series, Innovative Lives, brings diverse audiences face-to-face with inventors and innovation leaders. Typically held on the first Wednesday of the month in Coulter Plaza at the National Museum of American History (NMAH), Innovative Lives programs feature inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs from diverse technical and business fields speaking about their pioneering work and careers, including inspirations, successes, and challenges, all while framing a discussion around how members of the public can participate in innovation.

Full List of Event Dates and Speakers:

FEBRUARY 5: Adaptive Skateboarding, WCMX, and Inventing Your Own Path with AARON FOTHERINGHAM, OSCAR LORETO JR, and DAN MANCINA

MARCH 4: Jogbra inventors LISA LINDAHL, HINDA MILLER, and POLLY PALMER SMITH

APRIL 1: Quickie Wheelchair inventor MARILYN HAMILTON

MAY 6: Paralympic skier SARAH WILL

Registration for each program is free but required. All ages are welcome.

Doors for each program will open at 6:00 p.m. at the Constitution Avenue entrance to the National Museum of American History.

A light reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 6:30 p.m.*

Program will begin at 6:45 p.m. and conclude at 7:45 p.m.

*Please note that this program format is new for 2020 - the reception will take place before program begins instead of at the program's conclusion.

The National Museum of American History welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities. Sign language interpretation and real-time captioning of programs and special events are available upon request. Two weeks’ notice is preferred. Please email nmahprograms@si.edu, or call 202-633-3150