America's Ingenuity: Richard Franklin America & the Fight to Fulfill the Promise of Patents

Watch the documentary short "America’s Ingenuity," created in partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame. The film focuses on Richard F. America, one of the youngest inventors on “Baker's list,” the first repository of Black patent holders compiled by lawyer, assistant patent examiner, and civil rights activist Henry E. Baker. The documentary features an interview with America’s son, the only known living child of an inventor on Baker’s list. America held three patents, served during World War I, and had a successful career with the U.S. Post Office. Watch the film to learn more about his inventive spirit and dedication to creating a better world for his family. A special thanks to Richard F. America, Jr. and Amy America for your sharing your stories, insights, and family history with us.