National Maker Faire returns to DC this weekend
This weekend's National Maker Faire at UDC is part of a movement to spur innovation -- and more soldering
Does it matter that very few people know how to solder anymore? According to Sherry Huss, yes.
“If you’re lucky enough to have a garage, it’s probably filled with stuff that you don’t use,” says Huss. “There’s certainly no workbench, because we’ve become a throwaway economy versus a fix-and-repair economy.”
Huss grew up learning how to use a soldering iron on the workbench in her family’s garage. The lost skill reflects our modern-day culture, in which people generally don’t know — and aren’t encouraged to learn — how to make things on their own.
Ten years ago, Huss set out to change that. Together with Dale Dougherty, they established a series of annual gatherings called Maker Faires, intended to spur creativity and innovations in various fields as part of a broader Maker Movement. In 2014, President Obama helped spread the concept by hosting a White House Maker Faire. This year, 170 cities around the world will present Maker Faires, including D.C., which is hosting the second annual National Maker Faire this weekend.
Calling it “a contemporary take on a county fair,” Huss says the focus is on “celebrating the great American dream of building, innovating and making.” It’s also geared to be a space for people to learn and do things. The event includes presentations, free and open to everyone, ranging from an informational workshop offering tips on basic analog and digital media production, to a lecture exploring the science behind CBS’s hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory. Other highlights include a hands-on workshop in making mixed-media fiber art, and a GE-led “beyond the lightbulb” discussion about the promises of LED technology.
There will also be a “Learn to Solder Area,” sponsored by Radioshack, in which participants will solder together a badge in the shape of either a rocket or a robot and attach a blinking-LED. “You will walk away having made something,” Huss says. It’s meant to appeal to kids, but adults also get a boost from the sense of accomplishment.
“That’s what is just so special here,” Huss says. “There’s this fun side to it. It brings out the best in human beings.” — Doug Rule
The National Maker Faire takes place Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. Visit makerfaire.com/national.
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