March 26, 2025
National Inventor’s Day was signed into declaration on February 11, 1983. President Ronald Reagan chose the date because it was Thomas Edison’s birthday (He was born on February 11, 1847). Many consider Thomas Edison to have been the most prolific and famous inventor in American history. He held more than 1,000 patents for inventions, though his most famous invention by far was the light bulb.
What are we celebrating?
National Inventor’s Day offers a time to honor and remember great inventors throughout history while appreciating the great inventors among us today.
Think about the amazing impact inventors have had on our society and the globe as a whole! Technological advances, environmentally-friendly products, medical processes and procedures–even cardboard speakers and pillows that always stay cool.
On February 11 each year, we celebrate not just the inventors themselves but the spirit of innovation that inspires their creations.
How can you celebrate National Inventor’s Day?
On February 11, remember to do something unique to celebrate National Inventor’s Day, like:
- Make a list of your personal favorite or most-used inventions. How many of the inventors can you name?
- Do a Google search for any cool products or devices that you’d like to know the creator of. Alternatively, just search “best inventions.”
- Reach out to any inventors you know and tell them Happy National Inventor’s Day!
- Share a quote from your favorite inventor on social media using the tag #NationalInventorsDay and tag any inventors you know.
- Reflect on any “The Greatest Invention” essays you wrote as a child. Do you still agree with what you wrote about? (I wrote about bicycles being the greatest invention back in the 5th grade. I think my answer would be a little different today!)
