Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Time Needed: 1-2 hours, half-day
Experience Type: historic landmark, innovation
Step into the laboratory and estate of Thomas Edison, America’s most prolific inventor. From the light bulb to the phonograph, his genius shaped modern life. This National Historical Park offers a rare look at both Edison’s groundbreaking work and his family’s private world.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Experience the Main Laboratory Complex – An audio tour guides through Edison’s preserved labs to explore where groundbreaking innovations first took shape.
- See the Famous “Junk Pile” Stock Room –See an extraordinary collection of odd materials Edison kept on hand, from elephant hide to tortoise shell, fueling his endless experimentation.
- Tour Glenmont – Visit the grand 29-room mansion, complete with original furnishings, where Edison lived with his wife Mina, for a unique glimpse into his family life.
- Explore Edison’s Inventions – Marvel at early prototypes of the phonograph, motion picture camera, and storage batteries. Demonstrations bring Edison’s most famous creations to life.
- See the World’s First Motion Picture Studio – Visit the Black Maria replica, reopened in 2024, featuring interpretive panels, a replica kinetograph, and films created on-site.
Recommended Reading: Edison offers a detailed look at Thomas Edison’s life beyond the lightbulb, exploring his major inventions, experiments, collaborations, and personal world. It’s a well-researched portrait of one of America’s most influential innovators.