To his amazement, the machine played his words back. This was the very start of recorded sound in 1878. A patent was issued on the phonograph on February 19th, 1878; the invention was highly original.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Cleveland’s burial in Princeton Cemetery reflects his deep ties to the state. Visitors to his ...

From inventors to artists, New Jersey has been home to many Black pioneers who shaped history through innovation, creativity, ...