Winsted Shows Connecticut Firsts: Pez, Wiffle Ball, Nuclear Submarine

Connecticut’s history of invention and manufacturing goes back to the 19th century. Back then, the state led the nation in patents per capita.

Now, that legacy is getting a fresh spin. The American Manufacturing Hall of Fame and the American Mural Project have teamed up to launch the Innovation Wall — a massive, interactive exhibit featuring 50 inventions from the Nutmeg State.

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You’ll see everything from submarines to Silly Putty. The display lets visitors dive into the ways Connecticut’s creativity and craftsmanship shaped the nation and, honestly, the world.

Connecticut’s Rich History of Innovation

In the 1800s, Connecticut stood out as a hub for inventors and tinkerers. While the average state produced one patent for every 3,000 residents, Connecticut managed one for every 700 to 1,000 people.

This stat, highlighted by CThistory.org, really shows how much the region valued ingenuity and problem-solving. The state’s rocky terrain and tough farming conditions nudged people toward manufacturing instead of agriculture.

Towns like New Haven, Hartford, Bridgeport, and Waterbury became busy centers of production. Their innovations reached far beyond Connecticut’s borders.

From Factories to Firsts

This inventive spirit led to some world-changing creations. The Innovation Wall features plenty of them — the first nuclear submarine built in Groton, the moonwalk spacesuit with help from Connecticut engineers, and Sikorsky helicopters from Stratford.

You’ll also spot toys that became household names, like PEZ candy dispensers from Orange and Wiffle Balls from Shelton.

The Innovation Wall Exhibit

Visitors get to experience innovation up close with a 1,500-square-foot interactive wall. This isn’t just a bunch of pictures; there are hands-on stations, like bicycle wheels that helped U.S. cyclists win 14 Olympic medals.

For kids in places like Danbury and Stamford, the exhibit goes beyond a history lesson. It’s a peek into what’s possible when creativity meets determination.

A Unique Collaboration

The American Manufacturing Hall of Fame, backed by the state’s Office of Manufacturing, joined forces with the American Mural Project to bring the Innovation Wall to life. Their goal? Honor Connecticut’s manufacturing history and spark curiosity in future innovators.

The American Mural Project, started in 2001, is known for the world’s largest indoor collaborative artwork — a mural stretching 120 feet long and five stories high, celebrating American workers. The Innovation Wall feels like a natural next step, blending art with hands-on education.

Event Details

The Innovation Wall will be set up at the American Mural Project’s mill space in Winsted from October 10 through October 28. Admission to the Innovation Wall comes with the regular ticket, so families, school groups, and history buffs can all check it out.

Whether you’re from Meriden or driving in from across the state, the exhibit’s got something for everyone. Expect mechanical marvels and quirky inventions that probably shaped your childhood, too.

Why You Should Go

Exploring this exhibit gives you a real connection to Connecticut’s creative spirit. Some highlights:

The first nuclear submarine USS Nautilus
NASA moonwalk spacesuit technology
Sikorsky helicopter innovations
PEZ candy dispensers
Silly Putty
Wiffle Balls
Olympic medal-winning bicycle wheels
Historic manufacturing tools and prototypes

It’s not just a stroll through history. It’s a celebration of how folks in places like Hartford, Groton, and Waterbury turned challenges into real opportunities.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Connecticut’s inventive past reminds us that innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It grows out of necessity and thrives on collaboration.

People willing to experiment and take risks carry that spirit forward. There’s something inspiring about seeing how these stories unfold.

If you stop by the Innovation Wall, you’ll catch a glimpse of how places like Bridgeport, Stratford, Shelton, and New Haven have shaped America’s culture and technology. This new exhibit isn’t just about honoring the past—it nudges us to wonder what comes next.

Here is the source article for this story: From Pez to Wiffle Ball and nuclear submarine, Winsted shows off CT firsts

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