Paul Israel, the director and general editor of the Thomas Edison Papers, will speak at Archives and History Day on Oct. 14 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Symmes Drive, Manalapan.
Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon said Israel will present the keynote address, “New Jersey: A State of Innovation,” at 1 p.m. He will also participate in a history forum at 12:10 p.m.
“Dr. Israel is a perfect speaker to complement this year’s theme and exhibit, ‘New Jersey in Focus: Inventors and Innovators in Monmouth County,’ ” Hanlon said. “I am sure he will give an interesting and memorable presentation, just like our past Archives and History Day keynote speakers.”
Israel will discuss the history of technological innovation in New Jersey, according to a press release.
He will begin by detailing how New Jersey became a center for technological innovation in the 19th century with the development of new transportation and manufacturing technologies.
Israel’s talk will then focus on how New Jersey became a leader in telecommunications and electrical innovation long before the emergence of Silicon Valley.
In particular, he will highlight four important institutions – Speedwell Village, Edison’s Laboratories, Bell Labs and RCA Labs. Israel will conclude his talk with a brief discussion of present-day technological innovation in the state, according to the press release.
In addition to publishing Edison’s papers and biographies about him, Israel teaches the history of technology at Rutgers University and has written other articles and books.
In these works, he has been examining technological creativity, the origins of modern innovation, technological enterprise, patent regimes and the intersections between science, technology and business, according to the press release.
This year’s Archives Week events from Oct. 10-19 will focus on the history of Monmouth County inventors and innovators and will feature a movie screening and seminars for people of all ages. More than 60 local and state history organizations will set up displays about topics relating to New Jersey history and their organizations.
“Archives and History Day is designed for the public to connect with archivists, historians and other preservationists,” said Gary D. Saretzky, Monmouth County archivist.
