Education & History
Attend the Wm. Chester Ruth Innovation & Inspiration Fundraising Gala
Celebrate an evening of innovation and inspiration at The Ware Center.
The William Chester Ruth Legacy Project is excited to announce its 2024 Innovation and Inspiration Gala, happening on Tuesday, September 17 at 5PM at The Ware Center.
This year’s Gala builds on last year’s sold-out debut event at White Chimneys Estate in Gap, Pennsylvania.
William Chester Ruth, an African American inventor and businessman, revolutionized local agriculture in Southeastern Pennsylvania with his innovative approach to engineering and manufacturing including his innovative mechanical devices like the Baler Feeder and a cinder-spreading mechanism.
In April 2022, the William Chester Ruth Legacy Project was launched to honor his remarkable contributions and extend his impact.
As the son of a slave, Ruth defied societal expectations and inspired others to surpass limitations. Today, the Legacy Project is committed to sharing his legacy and motivating minority students to exceed their own expectations and achieve greatness.
Meet Keynote Speaker Dr. Marian Croak
The Ware Center is thrilled to host Dr. Marian Croak, Google’s Vice President of Engineering and a National Inventors Hall of Fame member, as this year’s keynote speaker for the Gala. Dr. Croak, who holds over 200 patents and was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame in 2013 and the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2022, is one of the first two Black women to receive this recognition.
We’re excited Dr. Croak sees William Chester Ruth as a groundbreaking African American inventor who made a big impact in early 20th-century Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Gwendolyn Ruth Dickinson, President of the William Chester Ruth Legacy Project and Ruth’s granddaughter
Guests will enjoy an exploration of William Chester Ruth’s inventions, raffles, dinner, fireside chats, live music, and more.
Get your tickets for an evening of innovation and inspiration while honoring William Chester Ruth.
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