Using works of art, mechanical inventions, and scientific discoveries, "The Great American Hall of Wonders" exhibit examines innovation in 19th century America. "The Great American Experiment" was a program to preview the exhibit to the press. Guest curator Claire Perry talked about the innovative spirit of America in the 19th centurry and gave a tour of the Smithsonian American Art Museum exhibit, which is housed where the patent models were displayed in the historic former Patent Office.


In this portion of the tour she talked about Margaret Knight, who at the age of 12 invented a safety device for mill workers, and displayed the model of the paper-bag maker she invented later.