SCHENECTADY — The illustrious journey of a local trailblazer, Dr. Marshall Jones, will be showcased in two documentary screenings at Proctors Theatre this Wednesday. The event aims to highlight the remarkable story of this GE Aerospace researcher.
The documentary, “Never Give Up – the Marshall Jones Story,” will be screened for free at 6 p.m. on Feb. 28 in the GE Theatre. The film traces Jones’ life from his modest upbringing on a Long Island duck farm to his groundbreaking work in laser technology.
Over his five-decade career at GE’s Niskayuna research facility, Jones has accumulated 70 patents and continues to contribute to the site. His current focus is on additive manufacturing, a process that GE defines as using 3D object scanners to guide hardware in depositing material in precise geometric shapes. Jones is also collaborating with a group in Cambridge, England on supersonic laser deposition.
At 82, Jones maintains a vigorous workload, having visited China last year for a technology conference.
Wednesday will mark Jones’ first viewing of the complete 47-minute documentary.
“I felt incredibly fortunate that they wanted to create this documentary. I hope it can inspire and make a difference for those who watch it,” Jones said.
A group of Schenectady High School students will attend a screening of the documentary and participate in a Q&A session with Jones at Proctors on Wednesday afternoon. This will be followed by a public screening at the theatre.
“My hope is that the students will see him as a living legend and be inspired to explore fields like aerospace or science,” said Schenectady Director of Diversity and Affirmative Action, Ronnie Gardner. “We aim to motivate young minds in our community to delve into science and technology.”
The documentary was created by the Sankofa African American 3D Museum, who decided to make the film after discovering Jones’ impressive career last year.
“Once I began researching and uncovering information about him, I was surprised that no one had made a full documentary or even a movie about him before,” said museum president Lawrence Walker.
Walker, who also served as the assistant director of the film, interviewed Jones for several hours last year for the documentary.
“I was amazed when he told me about his 70 patents and that he’s still working at 82,” Walker said. “I suggested he should retire and enjoy life, but he insisted on continuing to work. His legacy will be hard to surpass.”
Walker noted that screening the documentary during Black History Month adds a special significance.
“We’re honoring a man who is a pioneer in his field,” he said.
The film’s producers are hoping to secure a future broadcast television airing of the documentary.
Jones was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2017 and serves as an ambassador for the hall of fame’s Camp Invention program, which hosts STEM camps for children in grades K-6 nationwide.
Jones expressed his hope that the film will inspire the local students who watch the documentary on Wednesday.
“I hope it encourages them to believe that they can achieve their dreams,” he said. “I think adults may be surprised by my humble beginnings. I started as a farm boy raising ducks on Long Island. No one could have imagined I would be where I am today.”
Free tickets for the film screening are available to the public via the Proctors website.
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