Edison National Historic Site
National Park Service
Main Street & Lakeside Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 736-0550 - Groups 736-2783, ext. 6
www.nps.gov/edis/

West Orange was the site of Edison's ultimate research lab -- a place devoted to the "rapid and cheap development of inventions," serving his goal of inventing products that would be useful and affordable to everyone. This lab was staffed by as many as 60 workers and equipped with state of the art machinery and instruments, stocked with just about everything imaginable, " . . . from an elephant's hide to the eyeballs of a United States Senator."

Edison worked here the last 44 years of his life, developing more than half of his total of 1,093 patents. Among its many products, this lab has produced an improved storage battery, developments in motion pictures, an improved phonograph, and others. The lab itself was to become a model for research labs.

Visitors today can take an interesting and educational tour of the lab complex (note that the laboratory complex may be temporarily closed for construction -- please call ahead). It includes the Chemistry Lab, which has changed little since Edison's death in 1931; the Main Lab, which contains the 1887 Machine Shops, Stock Rooms and Offices. The Powerhouse now houses a Museum and Visitor Center.

Edison's beautiful estate, Glenmont, can be toured after making arrangements at the Visitor Center.

Two excellent School Programs are offered, each lasting about an hour: Idea to Product: The Edison Way (grades 4 thru 7): examines Edison's method of inventing; and The Impact of Thomas Edison (grades 8 thru 12): examines the lasting impact Edison has had on the world. Each program includes a Guided Tour designed to present its particular subject matter. Maximum group size is 45 students.

This is a great place for families, groups, and individuals to realize the profound influence one great man has had on all our lives. Note: Even for individuals, a guided tour is the only way to see the labs.