Sarah Boone, an African American inventor, made a significant contribution to household tools with her invention of an improved ironing board. Born in 1832 in Craven County, North Carolina, Boone was one of the first African American women to receive a U.S. patent. She was granted the patent on April 26, 1892, for her innovative design of an ironing board, which was particularly useful for ironing sleeves and women’s garments, making the task easier and more efficient.

Before Boone's invention, ironing was typically done on a simple wooden plank or table, which was often cumbersome and ineffective for ironing fitted garments like sleeves. Boone's design featured a narrow, curved board that allowed the user to iron sleeves and curved seams more easily. The board was also collapsible, making it easy to store when not in use. Her invention was especially beneficial at a time when tailored clothes became more popular, and the need for precise ironing was essential.

Boone, who was born into slavery and later gained her freedom, moved to New Haven, Connecticut, after the Civil War. She worked as a dressmaker, which likely inspired her to improve the ironing process, as she would have been keenly aware of the challenges in pressing fitted garments. Her invention addressed these difficulties and provided a solution that became a staple in households.

Although Boone's life details are somewhat limited, her legacy as an African American woman inventor during a time when both race and gender barriers were significant is remarkable. Her ironing board design was a key development in household products, and her patent stands as a testament to her creativity and ingenuity. Sarah Boone’s contribution is still recognized today, as her invention laid the foundation for the modern ironing board.