Functional Furniture

In 1885, Sarah E. Goode became the first African American woman to be granted a patent for her invention, the cabinet bed. This is an example of functional furniture, which is a versatile space-saving item that can preform multiple tasks. Today, based on Sarah Goode’s invention, we have the Murphy bed and the hide-a-bed.

Join us in The Shop and build your own contraption that can do two things at the same time. Using available supplies, visitors will have the opportunity to be inventive problem solvers. Best of all, what you make is yours to keep!

**Please note:**The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in this space.