WESTFIELD — For the Westfield Historical Society’s First Wednesday Luncheon program April 3, Alex Magoun, Ph.D., will give a presentation entitled “RCA Labs and 6 Inventions that Changed the World.” The luncheon will take place at Echo Lake Country Club beginning at 11:45 a.m.
Color television, liquid-crystal displays, transistors, LEDs, video cameras and computers — these technologies define so much of modern civilization, especially as they contribute to the ubiquitous smartphone. The staff of the laboratories of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), in Princeton, N.J., played essential roles in the invention and innovation of these six technologies, among many others.
Dr. Magoun explores the fascinating process and stories of hightech research and development, aided by photographs and rare images that reflect American confidence in the promise of technology. He is the outreach historian for the IEEE History Center in Piscataway and one of the world’s leading authorities on the history of RCA and consumer electronics, from phonographs to televisions. Starting with his dissertation on the evolution of the phonograph record and continuing with 10 years of directing the David Sarnoff Library in Princeton, Dr. Magoun has researched their significant connections to the Garden State, and the many connections across New Jersey, United States and global history.
He has written and lectured extensively for a wide range of audiences, from middle-school students and retirees to engineers and scholars, in 10 states and 11 countries.
This program is made possible in part by a 2024 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
Those wishing to attend the luncheon may make a reservation by email to westfieldhistoricalsociety@gmail.com, or by calling (908) 654-1794, before Thursday, March 28. Persons planning to attend are asked to advise if there are special dietary needs. The luncheon fee of $40 for Westfield Historical Society members or $45 for non-members includes a threecourse meal, coffee/tea and gratuity. The luncheon fee should be paid in advance (check payable to Westfield Historical Society) by mailing it to Westfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 613, Westfield, N.J. 07091; by Venmo to @Westfield-HistoricalSociety; or online at www.westfieldhistoricalsociety.org/ registration. Payments should be received by Friday prior to the luncheon.
Echo Lake Country Club is located at 515 SpringfieldAvenue, Westfield. Attendees are encouraged to check the club’s dress code and club policies at echolakecc.org/guest-info.
