Mission
Our Mission
The Lewis Latimer House honors the legacy of Lewis Latimer, the celebrated inventor and son of formerly enslaved Virginians. It serves as an open space that empowers and fuels tomorrow’s problem-solvers by helping them cultivate their own “Lewis Latimer Mindset” of imagination, connection, and resilience.
The Lewis Latimer Mindset
“The Lewis Latimer Mindset” reflects Latimer’s unique approach to problem-solving: one that fearlessly engages and challenges the world, regardless of the circumstances or obstacles it presents. This includes three distinct attributes:
Imagination
The ability to think creatively and envision possibilities beyond the obvious. Imagination allows us to explore new ideas, discover innovative solutions, and see the potential in the world around us.
Resilience
The ability to overcome challenges, adapt to difficulties, and persist in the face of adversity. Resilience is the strength to turn obstacles into opportunities and continue striving toward goals with determination.
Connection
The act of building relationships, fostering collaboration, and uniting ideas and people to achieve greater outcomes. Connection creates a sense of belonging and strengthens problem-solving through shared effort and understanding.
Watch: A Historic House in Queens Is Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
Published by Simons Foundation
The Simon’s Foundation’s Stories of Impact series highlights the real-world influences of Science Sandbox projects through personal narratives, videos and interviews.