Famous inventor with numerous important scientific contributions rests in Fall River

FALL RIVER, MA – A man with several important contributions both lived in Fall River and was buried here.

Lewis H. Latimer was a remarkable inventor and engineer whose inventions have played a pivotal role in modern society. After his parents escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad to Boston, he overcame numerous obstacles and, ultimately, worked alongside Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell. In 1876, Latimer produced the blueprints of the first telephone by Bell. He also contributed a groundbreaking contribution to Edison’s lightbulb invention, by improving the carbon filament inside light bulbs making them practical and accessible to the public.

Latimer’s ties to Fall River come from his wife, Mary Lewis, who married Latimer on November 15, 1873, at her family home on Robeson and Bedford Streets. The couple lived in New York for a majority of their lives, however, when Mary passed away in 1925, she returned to Fall River to be buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. Lewis Latimer’s burial followed Mary’s in 1928.

Latimer’s life accomplishments were celebrated in 2023 through an unveiling of his unmarked resting place in Fall River at Oak Grove Cemetery. Following the unveiling, Mayor Paul Coogan delivered a proclamation recognizing September 23, 2023, as “Lewis H. Latimer Day.”

The Lewis Latimer Fellowship Program was also created which is an organization dedicated to providing special access and mentorship to a select group of exceptional Black innovators.

Founded in April of 2021 by Frank Bonafilia, Dr. Carmichael Roberts, and Jonathan Cropper, the Lewis Latimer Fellowship Program is a globally recognized annual competition that fosters innovation by providing the selected Fellows with resources to build profitable new ideas and inspire others. For more information on this program, please visit https://www.latimerfellows.com/.