January at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted with Sneak Peeks, Rain Barrel Workshop , the annual Estates Tropical Florida Bridal Fair as well as a variety of other special programs throughout the month. The January schedule of programs and events include:
Edison & Ford Holiday Nights, Through – January 2, 5:30 PM – 9 PM
The Estates holiday tradition continues with “Edison & Ford Holiday Nights,” southwest Florida’s 34 year annual event. The winter homes of the Edison and Ford families will be seasonally decorated with the “favorite things” of the Edison and Ford families. The Edison Botanic Lab and Estates Museum will be open every evening with special exhibits as well as nightly holiday performances by area students and groups. Group rates are available to groups of 20 or more people with advance reservations. For more information call 239-334-7419.
Home Schoolers: “Eager Engineers,” January 8, 1 PM – 3 PM
Home schooled students and their parents will be inspired by Henry Ford’s inventions and learn how simple machines become complex machines, as well as the science of building bridges. The programs follow the Lee County mandated program and addresses environmental science, history and reading SOLS. Pre-visit curriculum materials will be mailed to registered families. Registration required. Estates Members $5; non members $15 (one adult, one child) additional $5 per child.
Etiquette at the Estates: Mina & Mimi’s Manners, January 9 & February 6, 11 AM
Mina Edison, wife of Thomas Edison, was a gracious hostess and interested in the well being of children and the community. Following in this tradition, Etiquette at the Estates, includes one day (two hour) lessons in etiquette and social skills. Children will learn proper introductions, handshakes and dining etiquette during a three course meal. Class will be taught by Suzanne Willis who has been teaching similar classes at the Ritz-Carlton hotels throughout the nation. Registration is requires. Estates Members $40; non members $50.
Wild Wizard Lab Show, “Eager Engineers,” January 10, 2 PM
The Estates Wild Wizards present a series of lab experiments exploring some of Mr. Edison’s and Mr. Ford’s illuminating inventions. Join the Wizards and explore how simple machines become complex machines as well as the science of building bridges. Fun for all ages. Estates Members are FREE, non members: $10 adults, $5 children and includes Estates Lab and Museum admission.
New Volunteer Orientation, January 12, 10 AM
Join Estates staff to learn about volunteer opportunities, Estates policies and general Museum information. This is a mandatory training for all new Estates volunteers but potential volunteers are welcome.
Sneak Peek Tours for the Public, January 14, 21, & 28, 10:30 AM
This season a NEW behind-the-scenes tour inside the Edison and Ford homes open to the public and Estates members. These unique tours are offered at no cost to Estates members and $40 for non members. In addition, lunch will be served riverside by the Ford Estate following the tour for $15 per person. Due to the intimate nature of “Sneak Peek Tours,” space is limited and registration is required. To become an Estates member call the Estates Membership office to receive free admission to the Estates and hundreds of museums and gardens throughout the United States, discounts and an inside look into the homes of two of the nations greatest inventors and their families.
Docent Training, January 21, 9 AM
New Estates volunteers who are interested in becoming Edison & Ford porch, Lab and Museum docents, or group tour docents of the Estates grounds must attend this mandatory meeting.
Rain Barrel Workshop, January 23, 9 AM
Harvesting rainwater by using rain barrels has been around for thousands of years. Thomas Edison used cisterns and water tanks throughout his Fort Myers estate to help irrigate his gardens and to use for drinking water. Join the Estates Horticulturist, Debbie Hughes and Tom Becker, Florida Yards and Neighborhoods for a unique approach on uses and construction of rain barrels and a tour of the Estates. In addition southwest Florida artist, Marie Dyer will give a demonstration on painting your rain barrel to create a beautiful addition to your landscape. Registration is required. Estates Members $50; non members $55 and includes a rain barrel.
Estates Tropical Florida Bridal Fair, January 24, 1 PM – 5 PM
The second annual Estates Tropical Florida Bridal Fair will be held on the beautiful grounds of the Ford Estate, southwest Florida’s premier wedding location. With breathtaking water views, historic gardens and romantic sunsets the Estates is a perfect location for your special day. Over 40 wedding professionals will be available to assist you as well as a bridal fashion show, dancing demonstrations, catering showcase and much more. Cost: $5, FREE to brides. Event is sponsored by Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Creative Events/Taylor Rental, Fort Myers, and Studio Six Eleven.
photo courtesy of Jamie Lee Photography
Coming in February:
“Brunch with Mrs. Edison: Living with a Genius,” February 19 & 20, 11 AM
Storyteller, writer, playwright and professional actress, Nan Colton will bring to life the remarkable and charitable Mina Edison with unforgettable tales of “living with a genius.” Brunch will be served in the beautiful Estates gardens and garden hats are encouraged. Reservations required, seating is limited. Estates Members $50; non members $60. Group rates are available.
What: Fish Printing Workshop & FREE admission for Fathers
Both the Edison and Ford families were well known for their love of fishing and fish. It is not known if they tried gyotaku although the art form has been around for centuries as it was the first method for recording information about fish by printing the fish impression on rice paper. 
Edison & Ford Winter Estates' Blog 