GE Aerospace has paid tribute to Chris Hunter, former director of GE’s archives and president of the Museum of Innovation and Science (MiSci), following his passing. Widely regarded as the foremost historian of General Electric, Hunter spent 25 years preserving and promoting the company’s rich innovation heritage, overseeing a collection of more than two million photographs, documents and artefacts.

A CUSTODIAN OF INDUSTRIAL HISTORY

Throughout his career, Hunter played a central role in preserving the legacy of innovators such as Thomas Edison, Charles Proteus Steinmetz and William Coolidge, while ensuring that the achievements of generations of GE employees remained accessible to future generations. His work helped connect the company’s historical achievements with contemporary innovation and engineering development.

According to GE Aerospace, Hunter was not only a historian but also an ambassador for the company’s heritage, regularly supporting milestone events through the provision of historical artefacts, photographs and documentation from the archives.

MARKING A HISTORIC CORPORATE TRANSITION

One of Hunter’s most notable recent contributions came during GE’s transition into three independent companies. Working alongside GE Reports, he helped document and contextualise the company’s history during the separation of GE Aerospace, GE Vernova and GE HealthCare.

Among the artefacts he highlighted was Thomas Edison’s improved stock ticker, patented in 1873. According to Hunter’s research, the invention provided Edison with the financial resources needed to establish his Menlo Park laboratory, where he later developed the incandescent light bulb. The historic stock ticker was displayed at the New York Stock Exchange when GE Aerospace and GE Vernova became standalone public companies in April 2024, symbolising the company’s longstanding culture of innovation.

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AND KINDNESS

GE Aerospace noted that beyond his extensive historical knowledge, Hunter was widely respected for his leadership, integrity and kindness. Tributes from public officials, business leaders and colleagues have highlighted these personal qualities as defining characteristics of his career and influence.

The company also recognised Hunter’s support for educational initiatives, including collaboration between MiSci, the University at Albany and the GE Aerospace Foundation’s Next Engineers Initiative, which aims to provide science and engineering learning opportunities to thousands of students in New York’s Capital Region.

HONOURING HIS CONTRIBUTION

GE Aerospace said it will continue its partnership with MiSci and support efforts to preserve the company’s historical collection while encouraging future generations to pursue careers in science, technology and engineering. The company described this ongoing commitment as a fitting way to honour Hunter’s lifelong dedication to preserving history and inspiring innovation.