Liam D.

London, Ontario

Thames Valley Regional Fair

The Lightbulb

My project explores the story of two Canadians, Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans. In it, you will not only learn how they invented the lightbulb, but why they aren't remembered for this monumental invention today.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

It wasn't one aspect that I found more interesting than the others... Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans' entire story shocked me.I never knew they played such a big role in the light bulb's creation.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

The most valuable lesson I learned is that while the loudest voices are the ones that are heard, there is another side to every story. To this day, Edison is remembered as the lightbulb's inventor; his voice was the loudest. However, his version of history neglects to mention the fact that he actually only improved an already-existing light bulb design. Had people been less quick to accept the loudest voice as the truthful voice, history would be very different.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Well, modern conveniences obviously make my life very different. After all, kerosene lamps were still the primary light source in the 1870s. In all seriousness, however, while I'd like to think that what happened to Woodward and Evans couldn't happen today, but it probably could,with all the power that large companies wield today.