The Mathias Family - Preserving the Legacy of Nikola Tesla

- February 20, 2023

Tesla Coil Museum Exhibit Program

A family from Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, is keeping Nikola Tesla's name and legacy alive through their work with the Tesla Coil Museum Exhibit Program (TCMEP). Richard Mathias, founder and president of TCMEP, worked for General Electric and Southern California Edison Company for over 30 years before retiring in 1994 and relocating to Hot Springs Village. He has since dedicated his life to preserving the memory of the Serbian-American scientist and inventor, who made significant contributions to the modern alternating current, or AC, electrical supply system.

Donated 14 Tesla Coils to Science Museums

Through TCMEP, the family has donated 14 Tesla coils to science museums across the country, including 12 coil exhibits to 10 museums, and is in the process of donating two more to a new museum just outside Nashville, Tennessee. One of Tesla's most recognizable inventions, the Tesla coil, can be found at Mid-America Science Museum in Arkansas, where it generates 1.5 million volts and has been a popular attraction since it was gifted to the museum by TCMEP in 2001.

Wonders Center & Science Museum in Tennessee

The Wonders Center & Science Museum in Dickson, Tennessee, will soon receive two musical coils that each produce 500,000 volts for a total of 1 million. The Mathias family learned about the museum through Troy Luccketta, the former drummer for the rock band Tesla, who reached out to TCMEP due to his Christian faith and link to the scientist.

Mathias Family

The Mathias family is a vital part of TCMEP, which is made up of Richard Mathias, his wife Mary Ellen, who acts as director of public relations, and their son David Mathias, who is vice president. Mary Ellen Mathias also teaches about Tesla's inventions under the persona of "Professor Sparky" and engages with local schools to inspire the next generation of electrical engineers.

Educate and Inspire People About Nikola Tesla

Thanks to the family's tireless efforts and work with TCMEP, Tesla's legacy has been restored and is becoming known as a champion of free energy and for his contributions to the modern electrical supply system. The Mathias family hopes that their donations will continue to educate and inspire people of all ages about the remarkable work of Nikola Tesla.