George Henry Corliss catapulted Providence, Rhode Island onto the world stage when he patented his steam engine valve gear. That innovation fueled the Industrial Revolution in Rhode Island and made Providence (and Corliss) famous. However, he wasn’t the only inventor and industrialist making a mark in the little city. In this presentation one will learn about Corliss, his invention, and the landscape of engineers and business that thrived in latter half of the 19th century and how they all shaped Rhode Island as well as the world.

Astrid M. Drew is the Director of Archives and Collections at the Steamship Historical Society of America (SSHSA), where she manages and organizes historical material, and assists researchers and the public in learning more about the heritage of engine-powered vessels. She holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Rhode Island, and earned her Masters of Library and Information Science, focusing in archives and preservation, from Simmons College. An experienced public speaker, Astrid has given many talks on subjects of maritime history, archival description, and virtual education for organizations and at conferences such as the Rhode Island Library Association and Council of American Maritime Museums. She’s interested in digital archives, rare books, and finding creative ways to tell the stories of our past.