This February, The Journey Museum celebrates Black History Month by highlighting the brilliance of Black inventors whose work with electricity, communication, and safety systems helped shape modern life. Each 30-minute, hands-on session invites families to explore how circuits power light, communication, and infrastructure—all while learning about the innovators whose contributions are often overlooked in traditional science stories. 

Through creative building, experimentation, and real-world connections, participants discover how engineering ideas move from imagination to invention—and how these innovations continue to impact our daily lives. 

For this week’s activity, inspired by Marie Van Brittan Brown, participants will build a simple alarm circuit that activates when a “door” opens, which models one of the earliest home security systems. This hands-on investigation introduces open and closed circuits while showing how innovation can improve safety and peace of mind. Marie Van Brittan Brown’s invention laid the groundwork for modern home security systems still used today. 

STEAM Saturdays are offered seasonally from October through April and are fun for the whole family. No need to pre-register, just bring your curiosity!

Morning Session: 10:30am - 11:00am

Afternoon Session: 2:00pm - 2:30pm

STEAM Saturdays are free with your daily admission or annual membership to the Journey Museum. Not a member? Become one today!