Thomas Edison Museum

By Charliann Reed

Edit this page

THOMAS EDISON - ANTIQUES

THOMAS EDISON - LEARN THE HISTORY

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is a world class cultural and educational resource honoring the innovation and creativity of two of America’s most influential individuals – Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The 15,000 square foot, AIR CONDITIONED, Estates Museum inspires imagination, encourages intellectual exploration and stimulates the senses with his seven galleries featuring an impressive collection of inventions, artifacts and special exhibits.

A tour of the Museum includes:

“The Inventions of Edison” –This permanent exhibit displays samples of Edison’s work as an inventor including the telegraph, telephone, cement, rubber, business machines as voice-recorders, stock-ticker, x-ray machine, domestic appliances as toasters and irons, and many examples of the progression of the light bulb, and Ford’s custom made 1918 Model T kitchen truck.

“Edison Botanic Research Corporation (EBRC)” - Original artifacts and information about EBRC, including items from C. Azell Prince, Jr. Collection. He was a clerk with the EBRC for Edison in Fort Myers and New Jersey from 1930-1934. The exhibit also includes artifacts from Edison’s Little Office.

“Edison and the Movies” – On view are selected examples from the Estates collection of movie projectors, cameras, nickelodeons and like entertainment devices.

“Power Systems” - This display includes a variety of generators and information panels about Edison’s power systems.

“Family, Friends and Fun” – An extensive collection of period photographs exist in the Estates archives. This exhibit provides an opportunity for many of the historical photographs of Edison and Ford, their families and their friends enjoying one another’s company—most of images are of time spent in Fort Myers. A majority of these photos come from personal albums found only at the Estates.

“The Wizard Invents”— Relates by decade Edison’s inventions, and includes artifacts and images. Also includes video and handouts.

“The Child Wizard” is situated before entering “The Wizard Invents” which displays some photos and images of Edison as a young inventor.

The Ford Gallery— The gallery includes a 1937 Ford Coupe, a 1940 V-8 engine, a one-of -a- kind model of Ford’s boat—the “Sialia” (meaning bluebird), family photos and history, and images and information reflecting the Edison and Ford relationship and their time spent in Fort Myers.

“Edison After Forty”— On loan from the Smithsonian Institution. The exhibit includes 55 images, as well as artifacts from the Estates Collection.

“Edison and His Phonograph” – The Estates has collected hundreds of phonographs over the years. On permanent display are early and unique phonographs and records, related inventions, and images as posters and photographs telling of the pleasures of this marvel invention (currently under remodeling).

A Selection of Edison & Ford Artifacts—miscellaneous important inventions of Thomas Edison, 1916 Model T Touring Car Ford gave to Edison, 100th Anniversary of the Model T display.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 239-334-7419
WEBSITE: http://www.efwefla.org/visitor.asp
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
350 McGregor Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33901


Directions:

From Hwy I-75
Take exit 136 and follow Hwy 884 (Colonial Blvd.) west. After crossing Hwy 41, move to the right lane. There are large signs indicating McGregor Blvd. Turn right onto McGregor Blvd. Go approximately 2 miles, the Estates entrance is on the right.

OR

Take exit 158 (Tucker’s Grade) west. At the Hwy 41 junction (red flasher) turn south (left). Continue on Hwy 41 south, when you cross the Caloosahatchee River Bridge, stay in the right lane. Follow the signs for Hwy 867. DO NOT TAKE THE RAMP FOR HISTORIC DISTRICT. At the end of the bridge, at traffic light, turn right on Hwy 867 - McGregor Blvd. After passing the traffic light at Altamont St., the Estates will be on your left.

From Hwy 82 (Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.)
Follow west on Hwy 82 (MLK Jr. Blvd), pass through downtown Ft. Myers. Go under the bridge overpass, at this location the street name changes to McGregor Blvd. (Hwy 867). After passing the traffic light at Alamont St., the Estates entrance is on the left.

From Hwy 41 North
Heading north on Hwy 41 turn west (left) at Colonial Blvd. (Hwy 884 West). Stay in the right lane. There are large signs indicating McGregor Blvd. Turn right onto McGregor Blvd. Go approximately 2 miles, the Estates entrance is on the right.

From Hwy 80 (Palm Beach Blvd.)
Travel west on Route 80 (Palm Beach Blvd.) into downtown Ft. Myers. The road ends turn south (left) onto Edwards St. At the stop sign turn right onto First St. Follow First St. until it ends at McGregor Blvd. Turn south (right) onto McGregor Blvd. The Estates entrance is on the left.

From Sanibel-Captiva
Heading off Sanibel Island remain on Summerlin Rd. Turn north (left) on McGregor Blvd. Go 4 or 5 miles on McGregor Blvd. The Estates entrance is on the right.

http://www.efwefla.org/museum.asp




Edit this page