Us Patent & Trademark Office Museum

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  • Address
    600 Dulany St, Madison Bldg, Old Town Alexandria
  • Show map Close map
  • Phone
    272 0095
  • Transport
    bus: Old Town shuttle from King St Metro

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Lonely Planet review

This nearly new museum tells the history of the United States patent. The story begins in 1917 in Memphis, TN., where wholesale grocer Clarence Saunders invented and patented what he called 'Self-Servicing' stores, now commonly known as the supermarket. He went from rags to riches and almost back to rags again, but you'll have to visit the museum to get the rest of the story, along with displays depicting other famous and influential patents.