Dick Whitney, Executive Director of the Optical Heritage Museum, and former American Optical employee, will present the impact that American Optical had on the Optical Industry. The Wellsworth Hotel is the former location of the World Headquarters of American Optical, which was the largest optical company in the world. Many important scientific achievements were developed here, and this presentation serves to highlight the impact of this company to society.

In addition to eyeglasses and diagnostic equipment, AO was the birthplace of Fiber Optics development due to the CIA sponsoring this work. Additionally, lasers were developed in Southbridge, as was Todd AO wide screen movie projection which premiered the movie Oklahoma in 1955. The first Sunglasses on the Moon were made in Southbridge by AO.

The Optical Heritage Museum at 12 Crane St in Southbridge showcases a large collection of inventions that impact our daily living. This talk serves as a virtual showcase of this unique museum.