Movie Making Magic – Week 6 of Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp

Another week of the Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp is in full swing, and this week, campers are in full gear learning the process of one of Edison’s greatest accomplishments: Film Production. Let’s see what our campers are up to this week:

 

Campers start off by learning how to create a Story Board

The Magic of the Green Screen!

"Annnnd... Action!"

For more information on Estates Inventor’s Summer Camps check out www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/education/summer-camp2

July Events at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates

July is a time for celebration here at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. This month, we’re not only celebrating our nation’s independence, but also the birthday of one of Fort Myers’ most famous snow birds: Henry Ford.

This 4^thof July, join us with half priced admission to the Estates for all Lee County residents. There’s no better way to celebrate our independence than learning about two of the fathers of American Innovation.

The Mangoes Behind the Scenes

Henry Ford turns 148 on July 30! In his honor, we will be opening his winter estate, aptly named “The Mangoes” for behind the scenes tours every half hour beginning at 11 a.m. and the last one at 3 p.m. These special tours are included in the price of the Complete Estates Tour ticket, and as always are FREE for Estates Members.

Even though school is out for the summer, like Thomas Edison, we believe education should never take a break. The Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp is in full swing.  Registration is still open for your budding rocket scientist, film maker, animator, engineer, science detective, or inventor. Camps are open for grades 1st – 6th and sessions are separated by grade levels, 1st – 3rd and 4th – 6th. The Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp schedule is the following:
 NEW Super Solar Scientists July 5 – July 8
ESI – Edison Science Investigation, July 11 – July 15 
Movie Making Magic, July 18 – July 22 
Kitchen Chemistry, July 25 – July 29
NEW Smarts in Art, August 1 – August 5
Space is filling up fast, so don’t delay with some camps already full. Cost for Estates Members is $200; non members $230.  Scholarships are available.

Registration forms can be found online by clicking here or may be picked up at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates at2350 McGregor Blvd.  For more information contact the Estates Education Department at 239-334-7419.

Free Educators Day

Students aren’t the only ones continuing their education this summer; Teachers, School Support Staff, and Children can partake in a Free Educators Day at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Admission is free and includes the opportunity to register for a variety of activities involving science, engineering, chemistry, history and art, teacher training and special tours. Registration is recommended by calling the Estates Education Department at 239-334-7419.  Teachers and school staff must present a school issued identification badge to receive free admission, children must be accompanied by a paid adult.

At the heart and soul of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, lies a dedicated team of Volunteers that give tirelessly day in and day out. Come be a part of the team. Volunteer opportunities are available in various positions ranging from docents, to office work, to gardening. We even offer internships to students pursuing their degrees. On July 12, at 9:30 a.m., join the Estates curatorial staff and learn about the new EstatesMuseumexhibit, “Into the Wild:  Edison, Ford & Friends” as well as volunteer opportunities, policies and general Estates volunteer information.  This is a regular monthly volunteer meeting and mandatory training for all new Estates volunteers but potential volunteers are welcome. 

Come see the Estates in a whole new light. The history doesn’t stop after the tour, there are always new ways to see the Estates.  We are now offering four new tour options to the Edison and Ford experience:

• NEW German Language Tour, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
  For German speaking visitors we are now offering a German language tour led by an Estates Site Historian on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.  The tour includes the historic homes, gardens, and Edison Botanic Research Laboratory all in German. 
• Behind the Scenes Tour, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
  Come enjoy a behind the scenes tour inside the Edison and Ford homes.  These unique tours are offered at no cost to Estates Members and $40 for non members.  Due to the intimate nature of the Behind the Scene Tours space is limited and registration is required. 
• Estates Botanical Tour moves to Saturday mornings, 10 a.m.
  The Estates Botanical Tours will continue to be held on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. but will change from Friday mornings to Saturday mornings at 10 a.m.  The tour includes a walk through the historical gardens, and a behind the scenes tour of the Estates Propagating Nursery led by Estates horticultural staff.  Cost for the tour is FREE for Estates members; non members, $24 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 -12.  You can also upgrade your ticket for $6 to include a self-guided audio wand tour of the historic buildings andEstatesMuseum. 
• Edison Ford Young Inventors Tour, Sunday – Friday 10 a.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  The Edison Ford Young Inventor’s Tour is a hands-on Museum experience for children focusing on the inventions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Children will learn how the inventions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford work and have the opportunity to operate historic education artifacts including the light bulb, recorded sound, assembly line and rubber research.  The tour is offered on a first come, first served basis and includes admission to the Lab and Museum.  Estates Members are FREE; non members $12, $5 children ages 6 -12, children five and under FREE.  Tickets are available at an additional cost to upgrade to a complete Home and Gardens Estates Tour. 

Visit our new website for news, upcoming events, purchasing tickets and memberships, renewing memberships and shop on line at the Estates Museum Store and Garden Shoppe. 
The Estates is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Visit the web site at www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Programs – September 2010

September at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates includes a NEW exhibit opening, the Edison & Ford Young Inventor’s Program,and NEW Home School Classes. The September schedule of activities include:

Young Inventor’s Program, Saturdays at 1:00 PM 
The Estates’ newest program offers families an interactive, hands-on inventions experience focusing on children’s science activities including the Ford assembly line; the incandescent light bulb; creating rubber and the history of the phonograph.  Due to limited space, the tour will be on a first come first serve basis and includes admission to the Lab and Museum.   Program cost is Estates Members FREE; $12 adults, $5 children ages 6 -12 and FREE to 5 and under.    

 

NEW Exhibit:  “Discovering Southwest Florida with Thomas Edison & Henry Ford” opens September 2, 2010 at Southwest Florida International Airport
The exhibit features a collection of historic photographs of Edison and Ford’s favorite pastimes in southwest Florida accompanied with contemporary photographs and  artifacts from the Estates collection.   

Behind the Scenes Lab Tour for Estates Volunteers, September 15, 9:30 AM
Estates volunteers are invited to a special behind the scenes tour of the Edison Botanic Research Lab.  Estates curatorial staff will present new Lab findings discovered while moving artifacts into the visible storage area in the Museum.  The tour will include a walk inside the visible storage area and restoration.  Registration is required.  

Edison Inventors Association Meeting, September 15, 7PM, Meeting once a month at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, the organization serves the inventors in the community by providing education and networking opportunities.  For more information contact 239-275-IDEA (4332). 

Sneak Peek Tours return on Thursdays from September 16 – October 28, 9:30 AM
Visitors will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour inside the Edison and Ford homes.  These unique tours are offered at no cost to Estates members and $40 for non members.  Due to the intimate nature of “Sneak Peek Tours”, space is limited and registration is required.

Home School Class:  Space and Rockets, September 24, 1PM
Home schooled students will study the planet Earth and its galaxy as they explore the solar system and create their own “rocket.”  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 is required.  Cost:  Estates Members $5; non members $15 (one adult, one child), additional $5 per child.

Quilting and Stitchery Demonstration, September 25, 10 AM – 1 PM
Quilters from the Southwest Florida Quilter’s Guild and members of the Southwest Florida Embroidery Guild will demonstrate quilting and stitching and will be available to answer questions on techniques and care.   In the early 1900’s Henry Ford collected, celebrated and displayed quilts and other historical objects. Demonstration is FREE with purchase of Estates Home and Garden Tour ticket.
 
The Estates is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Estates is the winner of the 2009 National Stewardship Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is an official project of “Save America’s Treasures” at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Florida Historic Landmark and a National Register Historic Site. For additional information call 239-334-7419 or visit the web site at www.efwefla.org.

Sneak Peek Behind the Scenes Tour Ends for Season April 29

 April 22 & 29, 2010 at 10:30 AM the Edison & Ford Winter Estates will be offering the last weekly scheduled Sneak Peek Tours for the season. Sneak Peek Tours can be scheduled throughout the year for groups of 15 or more people with pre-registration.  Estates Sneak Peek Tours will resume in September 2010. 

The Estates Sneak Peek Tours are a behind the scenes tour inside the Edison and Ford homes.   These unique tours are offered at no cost to Estates Members and $40 for non members.  In addition lunch is served in the Edison Caretaker’s House following the tour for $15 per person.  Due to the intimate nature of Sneak Peek Tours space is limited and registration is required.

To register a group for a Sneak Peek Tour or to become an Estates Member call the Estates at 239-334-7419, or visit our website www.efwefla.org and fill out a membership application to receive free admission to the Estates and hundreds of museums and gardens throughout the United States and Canada; discounts in the Museum Store, Garden Shoppe and Ford Cottage Shoppe; invitations to special programs; discounts on classes, children’s camps and educational programs; and an inside look into the homes of two of the nation’s greatest inventors and their families.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Programs – April 2010

April at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted with a National Arbor Day Celebration; the continuation of Sneak Peek Tours; and a new community initiative, a Canned Food Drive Easter weekend, as well as a variety of other special programs throughout the month.  The April schedule of programs and events include:

• Estates Open Easter Weekend, April 2, 3, & 4, 9 AM – 5:30 PM

• Registration for Edison & Ford Winter Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp
The Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp is back again this year and the Wild Wizard is here all summer long.  Camp begins on June 7, 2010 and runs through August 20, 2010.  Camps are open for grades 1 – 6 and sessions are separated by grade levels.  Campers will make movies, become science detectives, launch objects into orbit, construct bridges and animate their own short films.  Registration forms are available on line at http://www.efwefla.org/pdfs/Summercamp2010.pdf or are available at the Estates.  Estates Members $200; non members $230.  For more information on specific topics, dates and times contact the Estates Education Department at 239-334-7419.
 
•  Sneak Peek Tours  Every Thursday, year round,  10:30 AM – 1 PM
Behind-the-scenes tours 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 in the historic Edison Caretaker’s House following the tour for $15 per person.  Due to the intimate nature of “Sneak Peek Tours”, space is limited and registration is required. 

• Estates Canned Food Drive, April 2, 3, & 4
Staff, members and visitors to the Estates are encouraged to make canned food donations to support the Community Cooperative Ministries in Fort Myers (CCMI).  Visitors to the Estates throughout the weekend will receive a $1 off an Estates admission ticket (up to four dollars) for every can of food they donate.  CCMI has been providing food to the homeless, nearly homeless, homebound, seniors and children for twenty six years in Lee County.  

• New Volunteer Orientation, April 13, 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. 

• Docent Training, April 22, 9AM
New Estates volunteers who are interested in becoming Edison & Ford porch docents, Lab and Museum docents, or group tour docents of the Estates grounds must attend this mandatory meeting.

• Home Schoolers:  “Ford Aerodynamics & Flight,” April 23, 1 PM – 3 PM
In addition to cars, Henry Ford built airplanes.  Home schooled students will study the history of science and flight. 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 is required.  Cost:  Estates Members $5; non-members $15 (one adult, one child), additional $5 per child.

• National Arbor Day Celebration, April 23, 9 AM
In observance of National Arbor Day the public is invited to join the Estates in planting a tree on the Estates grounds with students from a local school.  In addition, the public can support the Estates Tree Planting Program by contributing funds to purchase a tree.  The Estates will assist with selecting a plant or tree and does not accept gifts of live plants or trees however donors can be involved in a planting ceremony.   

• Mother’s Day Brunch in the Gardens, May 9, 11 AM
Celebrate your Mom with a delectable brunch at the Estates.  The diverse menu will please every member of your family.  Leave time to enjoy the historical ambience and create treasured memories with a tour of the historic homes, gardens and Museum.  Ticket price includes brunch, an Estates tour and a special gift for Mom.  Registration required.  Estates Members, adults $30, children ages 4 – 12 and $12; non members adults $35, children ages 4 -12 and under $15; children 3 and under FREE.

• Destination Preservation, 32nd Annual Statewide Preservation Conference, May 12 – 14, Sanibel Harbour Marriot Resort and Spa
The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s Annual Statewide Preservation Conference kicks off on May 12, 2010. Showcasing Lee County, the conference will offer workshops, tours and special events designed to teach participants how historic preservation can play a key role in conserving national resources. To register, call (850) 224-8128. To download the conference program, visit http://www.floridatrust.org/news/373.  For information about the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, please visit www.floridatrust.org.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Programs – March 2010

March at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted with the return of the Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival, a NEW event, Art in Bloom, and the continuation of Sneak Peek Tours as well as a variety of other special programs throughout the month.  The March schedule of programs and events include:

Registration for Edison & Ford Winter Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp, continues through March,  The Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp is back again this year and the Wild Wizard is here all summer long.  Camp begins on June 7, 2010 and runs through August 20, 2010.  Camps are open for grades 1 – 6 and sessions are separated by grade levels.  Campers will make movies, become science detectives, launch objects into orbit, construct bridges and animate their own short films.  Registration forms are available on line at http://www.efwefla.org/pdfs/summercamp.pdf or are available at the Estates.  Estates Members $200; non members $230.  For more information on specific topics, dates and times contact the Estates Education Department at 239-334-7419.

Sneak Peek Tours, Every Thursday, year round,  10:30 AM, NEW, behind-the-scenes tours 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 in the historic Edison Caretaker’s House following the tour for $15 per person.  Due to the intimate nature of “Sneak Peek Tours”, space is limited and registration is required. 

Art In Bloom, March 7, 1 PM – 5 PM, An exhibit of art and floral design in collaboration with the Estates and the Fort Myers – Lee County Garden Council.  The exhibit combines art pieces with living arrangements of flowers and plants.  Estates Members FREE, non members $5.

New Volunteer Orientation, March 9, 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. 

Estates Annual Volunteer Recognition Event, March 12, 10 AM, Koreshan State Historic Site, Estates volunteers are invited to attend an afternoon of “utopian” fun.  Event includes a guided tour exploring the unique society of the “Koreshans,” pizza lunch, awards and raffles.  Registration is required.

Docent Training, March 18, 9AM, New Estates volunteers who are interested in becoming Edison & Ford porch docents, Lab and Museum docents, or group tour docents of the Estates grounds must attend this mandatory meeting.

Home School:  “Power & Energy,” March 19, 1 PM – 3 PM, Home schooled students will study the power of different sources of energy that are used in today’s homes and throughout the world. 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 is required.  Cost:  Estates Members $5; non-members $15 (one adult, one child), additional $5 per child.

Volunteer Education Workshops, March 25, Times TBA, Two educational workshops available to Estates volunteers include a live presentation of Mina Miller Edison, Living with a Genius  and Mastering Five Essential Presentational Skills with writer, playwright and professional actress, Nan Colton.  Seating is limited and reservations are required. 

Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival, March 26, 7:30 PM, Edison & Ford Winter Estates (Rain date March 28), March 27, 7:30 PM, Edison State College, Fort Myers, March 29, 7 PM, BIG ARTS, Sanibel Island, The award winning Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival will be back for a fourth season in southwest Florida since the Festival began its national tour in 1981.  Festival Board of Directors member and filmmaker, Clayton Hemmert will introduce the films and facilitate discussion afterwards.  There will be more than thirty films shown between the three sites.  Tickets may be bought in advance at the Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., and BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island.    The cost is $7 per evening for adults, $5 for students.  Tickets for all three nights can be purchased at a discounted rate of $15.  Estates Members are free on March 26 and Edison State College students are free on March 27.  Seating is limited.  For more information call 239-334-7419 or visit the following websites: Edison & Ford Winter Estates at www.efwefla.org, Edison State College at www.edison.edu, BIG Arts at www.bigarts.org and the Black Maria Film Festival at www.blackmariafilmfestival.org.  

Art in the Gardens “Butterflies at the Estates” Exhibit, continues through June 2010, In the heritage gardens at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Lee county students create an environmentally interactive artwork exhibit using recycled materials to make life-like garden art. The exhibit is sponsored by The Foundation of Lee County Public Schools, ArtFest, and Truly Nolen.  The exhibit is FREE to the public.

Group Experience at Edison & Ford Holiday Nights

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is offering wonderful group experiences this holiday season.  This unique opportunity is available for groups of 20 or more and is perfect for businesses, clubs, and other organizations.  Contact the Estates Education Department at 239.334.7419 for more details.

Holiday Nights Group Experience, $55/person

Includes:

• Refreshments upon arrival
• Choice of Presentation (Holiday Traditions or Henry Ford & the Model T)
• A guided tour of the Edison Botanic Research Lab
• A behind-the-scenes tour inside the Edison and Ford homes
• Buffet dinner on the Ford Property
• Time to enjoy Holiday Nights; 20 acres of historically decorated homes and gardens

Available December 12, 2009 – January 2, 2010

Program begins at 2PM and concludes at 6PM leaving time for guests to see Holiday Nights.

Holiday Traditions: Take a step back in time and see how the Edisons, the Fords and the rest of America celebrated the holiday season throughout our history.

Henry Ford & the Model T: Henry Ford revolutionized travel and transportation with the Model T and the Assembly Line.  Learn about Henry Ford’s life, his accomplishments and his time here in Fort Myers.

Click here to view our vacation packages.