Thomas Edison National Historical Park
New Jersey
Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange, New Jersey, preserves the renowned inventor's laboratory complex and his Queen Anne style residence, Glenmont. Designed by architect Henry Hudson Holly in the late 19th century, the site includes over a dozen buildings where Edison conducted pioneering research in electricity, motion pictures, sound recording, and battery technology. The laboratory complex features specialized machine shops, a private library, and the original site of the Black Maria, the world's first movie studio designed to rotate for optimal sunlight. Glenmont, Edison's family home, showcases original Eastlake style furnishings and early modern conveniences such as central heating and indoor plumbing. The site reflects Edison's multifaceted contributions to technology and innovation over more than four decades, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the environment where many of America's greatest inventions were developed. The park also hosts tours and audio guides to enrich the visitor experience, preserving the legacy of Edison and his family, including his children who became notable public figures.
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Tipp: Plan your visit during spring or fall for comfortable weather and smaller crowds. Purchase tour tickets for Glenmont in advance, especially for group visits. Audio tours are available online to enhance your experience. Check the official website for current hours and any alerts before visiting. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and military personnel. Photography is permitted with some restrictions; contact the park for filming permits.
Interessante Fakten
- •Edison's Black Maria studio was the world's first movie studio and could rotate on a turntable to follow sunlight.
- •The Glenmont mansion originally featured advanced amenities such as gravity-convection central heating and indoor flush toilets.
- •The park holds over 6,000 historical photographs related to Thomas Edison's life and work.
- •In 1996, the band They Might Be Giants recorded songs on phonograph cylinders at the museum, capturing sound the way Edison did.
- •Edison's children, including future New Jersey governor Charles Edison, grew up at Glenmont.
Geschichte
The Edison laboratory and residence were established in the late 19th century, with Glenmont built between 1880 and 1882 and the laboratory complex constructed in 1887.
Edison purchased Glenmont in 1886 after its original owner was forced to surrender the estate.
The site operated as Edison's primary research facility for over 40 years, producing inventions like the motion picture camera and nickel-iron battery.
The home was designated a National Historic Site in 1955, followed by the laboratory in 1956.
In 1962, both properties were combined into the Edison National Historic Site.
The park was renamed Thomas Edison National Historical Park in 2009 after extensive renovations to clarify its identity and preserve the site.
Ortsführer
Edison Laboratory Complex1887
This industrial research facility built in 1887 includes more than a dozen buildings where Edison and his team developed groundbreaking technologies in electricity, motion pictures, and chemistry. Visitors can explore machine shops, the private library, and learn about the invention processes.
Black Maria Movie Studio Replica1954 (replica)
A reconstructed version of the world's first movie studio, originally built by Edison. The building could rotate on a turntable to maximize sunlight exposure for filming early motion pictures.
Glenmont - Edison's Queen Anne Style Home1880-1882
Built between 1880 and 1882, Glenmont was designed by Henry Hudson Holly and features 29 rooms with original Eastlake style furnishings. The home included early modern conveniences such as central heating, indoor plumbing, and electrical wiring added by Edison.
Kontakt
Telefon: (973) 736-0550
