Granville T. Woods
A Columbus Legacy
An American Story
A Short Film Presented by the Rickenbacker Woods Foundation
Granville T. Woods: A Columbus Legacy, An American Story celebrates the rediscovery of one of Ohio’s greatest inventors — Granville T. Woods, a visionary whose electrical innovations helped power America into the 20th century.
Produced by the Rickenbacker Woods Foundation as part of America 250-Ohio, this fundraising promo previews a full-length documentary currently in development. The story follows new historical discoveries made by Columbus researchers and students that reveal Woods’ true birthdate, his ties to early African-American communities, and his enduring impact on the industrial age.
Production
Producer / Director / Editor: Mary Rathke
Videographer: Ben Bays
Drone: Ryan Staples
Teleprompter: Diana Bergemann
Animation: Luna Zamora
Research & Development
Columbus Metropolitan Library Local History & Genealogy — Angela O’Neal, Nicole Sutton, Aaron O’Donovan
Doreen Uhas Sauer • Michael Aaron • Mary Rathke • Nettie Ferguson • Conrade Hinds • Jeff Darbee
Photography & Film Archives
Columbus Metropolitan Library • Ohio History Connection • Donald Kaiser Film Collection • The Brooklyn Historic Railway Association • David Rumsey Map Collection • Jeremy Zallen
Music Courtesy of Soundstripe.com
“On Your Side” by Reveille
“Cool Breeze” by Cody Martin
“Sir Francis Drake” by Cody Martin
“Threads of Gold” by Alsever Lake
“Into The Storm” by Moments
“Stargazers” by Cody Martin
Granville T. Woods is funded in part by the America 250-Ohio Commission.
© 2025 Rickenbacker Woods Foundation • All Rights Reserved
Honoring Ohio’s legacy of innovation and courage.
www.rickenbackerwoods.org