The importance of America’s contributions to science and, in particular,
Benjamin Franklin (1705–1790) as the discoverer of electricity, is celebrated
throughout the Jefferson Building. When the building was completed in 1897,
the United States was eager to celebrate many American inventions made
practicable by scientific advances relating to electricity. These include the
telegraph, the telephone, electrical motors and lighting devices, and the
elevator. Throughout the building the bare light bulbs with visible filaments
celebrate this American invention and point to its importance to the building.

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