A Tradition on Display: Patent Models Return to the Fourth Floor

Since opening our doors in 2016, one of the most distinctive features of The Mill has been waiting just beyond the elevator doors on the fourth floor: a rotating collection of historic patent models on loan from Hagley Museum and Library.

Each year, these carefully preserved artifacts transform our lobby into more than just a pass-through space. They invite curiosity. They spark conversation. And they serve as a quiet but powerful reminder that innovation has always been built on bold ideas and hands-on experimentation.

Patent models date back to a time when inventors were required to submit physical representations of their ideas to the U.S. Patent Office. These miniature inventions tell stories of ingenuity across industries, offering a glimpse into the creative problem-solving that continues to shape the world today. It’s a fitting addition to a space designed for modern entrepreneurs, builders, and thinkers.

This year’s incoming models showcase the brilliant (and sometimes delightfully unexpected) ingenuity of the 19th century, including:

• A Machine for Cutting Green Corn Off the Cob — because innovation often starts in the kitchen
• A Machine for Perforating Sheets of Paper for Automatic Musical Instruments — early automation at its finest
• A Spark-Arrester — safety first, even in 1849
• A Stove — proof that even everyday essentials were once groundbreaking
• An Improvement in Self-Leveling Berths for Ships — smooth sailing, Victorian style

In fact, this annual display has become something of a tradition at The Mill. Every year since 2016, we’ve proudly partnered with Hagley Museum and Library to bring these pieces into our community, giving members and visitors alike the chance to experience a tangible connection to innovation history.

The only pause in this tradition came during our recent fourth floor renovations. From the summer of 2025 through March 30, 2026, the space underwent a transformation to better serve our growing community. While the patent models took a brief hiatus during those six months, their absence only made their return more meaningful.

Now, with the fourth floor fully reopened, we’re excited to welcome the patent models back once again.

As you pass through the lobby, we encourage you to take a moment. Look a little closer. You might find inspiration in the smallest details, a reminder that every big idea often starts as something simple, thoughtfully built, and shared with the world.