Inventor Philo T. Farnsworth adjusts a television camera during a demonstration of his television system at the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA, August 28, 1934.

Credit: Image donated by Corbis-Bettmann

In the summer of 1934, Philo T. Farnsworth staged the first public display of his pioneering television system at Philadelphia's Franklin Institute. Over the next three weeks, Farnsworth treated his audience to musical performances, vaudeville acts, speeches by dignitaries, and trained animal acts.