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

In 1894, U.S. Representative George Washington Murray read a list of African American patent holders into the Congressional Record. Murray himself was on the list, which was compiled by patent examiner and civil rights activist Henry Baker. Their lives, connected by the list, tell a story of public service, activism through invention, and how innovative minds can build a better and more just world.

The film "America’s Ingenuity" focuses on Richard F. America, one of the youngest inventors on “Baker's list.” 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.

  • National Inventors Hall of Fame
    Writer
  • Richard F. America, Jr.
    Key Cast
  • National Inventors Hall of Fame
    Producer
  • United States Patent and Trademark Office
    Producer
  • National Inventors Hall of Fame
    Director
  • Rebekah Oakes
    Research Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    History
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 56 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    37,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • USPTO Black Innovation and Entrepreneurship program
    Baltimore
    United States
    February 23, 2023
    World Premiere
  • Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival
    Ridgewood, New Jersey
    United States
    April 26, 2023
    Film Festival Premiere
    Nominated for Best Documentary Short Form / Official Selection
Distribution Information
  • United States Patent and Trademark Office
    Distributor
    Country: United States
    Rights: All Rights
  • National Inventors Hall of Fame
    Distributor
    Country: United States
    Rights: All Rights
Director - National Inventors Hall of Fame