A Work of Art
(Syracuse, N.Y., Oct. 21, 2002) ¿ Carrier has long been a force behind the scenes of famous art and museum exhibits around the world. But in 1964, Carrier was on display! The first Carrier centrifugal refrigerating machine was made an exhibit at the brand new National Museum of History and Technology, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
At the time, the museum displayed exhibits of both old and new American technology. But Carrier's representation there almost didn't happen. When negotiating the terms of the exhibit, the curator of heavy machinery decided that there was not enough room for the cooler and condenser. After some negotiations, on July 22, 1964, the compressor went on public display in what is now known as the National Museum of American History.
The museum's mission is "collecting, preserving and interpreting artifacts as a special class of historical evidence and as principal expressions of human creativity." The museum examines how objects are crafted, how they are used, how they express human needs and values and how they influence society and the lives of individuals. Although its natural focus is on the United States of America, its roots and connections with other cultures is also of great importance. Popular items on permanent display at the museum include Dorothy¿s ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz," Muhammad Ali's boxing gloves and the original Star-Spangled Banner, which is housed in a specially designed display case cooled by Carrier!
The museum has grown considerably since it opened in 1964, and the same can be said for Carrier. In the future, we can expect many more "works of art" from both these fine institutions.
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