Joseph Henry: A Lifetime Sense of Duty

Professor Joseph Henry was involved with the Light-House Board from its inception in 1852 and was an integral part of infusing science into the American lighthouse service. He was one of our country's first practicing enthusiasts for original and applied research. At the request of President Millard Fillmore, Henry Joined the Light-House Board. But, one must ask, why would a learned man like Joseph Henry, known as the "Great Old Man of Washington," serve as a volunteer for the Light-House Board? He was a distinguished gentleman, stately in his appearance and deeply-connected politically and scientifically. His greatness as a scientist was unparalleled; indeed, his pioneering work in electricity and magnetism led to the invention of the telegraph, the electric motor, and the telephone. Henry was the one everyone ran to for advice when experiments failed, including Alexander Bell for his "multiple telegraph."