Wise Words from Henry Ford

“Education is not something to prepare you for life; it is a continuous part of life.” – Henry Ford

In celebration of Henry Ford’s Birthday on July 30, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates will be posting a quote a day for the entire month of July.  Many of these quotes can be found along with quotes from Thomas Edison in The Edison & Ford Quote Book, available in our online store.

Wise Words from Henry Ford

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” – Henry Ford

In celebration of Henry Ford’s Birthday on July 30, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates will be posting a quote a day for the entire month of July.  Many of these quotes can be found along with quotes from Thomas Edison in The Edison & Ford Quote Book, available in our online store.

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.

June Events at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates

As we welcome the summer season, The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is gearing up for a summer full of education, programs, and family fun.

Edisonia Native Girl by Denege Patterson

Program and Book Signing
     Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in Edison’s Caretaker’s House? It’s one of the most unique buildings on the historic property, a converted cracker house, which remains as one of the oldest buildings in Fort Myers.

     On Friday, June 11^th at 11am, Florence Keen Sansom, who was born in the Edison Caretaker’s House in 1917, is the subject of Denege Patterson’s book, Edisonia Native Girl.

     Join Sansom as she presents “A Heart-to-Heart Conversation.” This is a not-to-be-missed program chronicling her childhood, gardens, artwork, and Florida in the 1920s. Patterson and Sansom will be available to sign your book after the program. 
Refreshments will be served. The cost is FREE for Members, non members $5.   

Happy Father’s Day!
     The Estates is offering FREE admission to any father accompanied with their paid child on Father’s Day.  Free admission includes a tour of the newly restored homes, the historic botanical gardens, the Estates Museum and Edison’s Research Laboratory

 

  
Wild & Crazy Kids!
     Whether it’s inventing, acting, animation, or science that peaks your child’s interest, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates has a camp for them! Registration is still open for the Estates Inventors’ Summer Camp.

     Camps are available for grades 1st – 6th and sessions are separated by grade levels, 1st – 3rd and 4th – 6th. Space is limited and filling up fast! Cost for Estates Members is $200; non members $230.  Scholarships are available by calling the Estates at 239-334-7419. 
The Estates Inventor Summer Camp schedule is the following:
 Eager Engineers, June 13 – June 17 (GRADES 1-3 full, GRADES 4-6 open)
Spaceships & Rockets, June 20 – June 24
NEW Animation in Action, June 27 – July 1 
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

Registration forms are available online or can be picked up at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates at 2350 McGregor Blvd.  For more information or to sign up contact the Estates Education Department at 239-334-7419

Sprechen Sie Deutch?
     For our German speaking visitors, the Estates is now offering a German language tour led by a German Estates Site Historian on Wednesdays at 10:30 am.  The tour includes the historic homes, gardens, and Edison Botanic Research Laboratory in German. German Audio Players also still available on a regular basis.

We Keep On Growing!
     For all you garden lovers out there, the Estates Botanical Tours will continue to be held on Tuesdays at 10 am, but will change from Friday mornings to Saturdays mornings at 10 am.  The tour includes a serene walk through the historical gardens, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Estates Propagating Nursery led by Estates horticultural staff. 
Cost for Estates Members is FREE; non members, $24 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 -12.  Upgrade your ticket for $6 to include a self-guided audio wand tour of the historic buildings and Estates Museum. 

Brilliant Idea for the Whole Family!
     “Family” means “FUN” at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The 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 work and have the opportunity to operate historic education artifacts including the light bulb and the phonograph, while practicing the assembly line and rubber research.  The tour is available 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.

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The Estates has received a grant  from the Florida Legislature through the Bureau of Historic Preservation, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State, assisted by the Florida Historical Commission.

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.

New Young Inventors Tour at Estates – Begins Saturday, August 21

Beginning August 21, 2010, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates will be offering a new year-round program, Edison & Ford Young Inventor’s Tour.

The new Young Inventor’s Tour will be offered at 1:00 p.m. every Saturday and will focus on hands-on discovery of four primary inventions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.  Children and their families will learn how the inventions work and have the opportunity to operate the historic education artifacts.  The inventions and hands-on exploration will include:

• The Incandescent Light Bulb
The Edison & Ford Young Inventor’s Tour family tour begins in the Estates Museum and explores the progression of the light bulb from thread to bamboo as well as Edison’s scientific process.

• Recorded Sound
Children will learn the history of sound from the first recorded sound “machine,” Edison’s phonograph, to the MP3 player.

• The Ford Assembly Line
Children will participate in building a Ford Model T working on a “mock” assembly line and learn first-hand about the engine parts of an early Ford car.  

• Rubber Research
Children will make synthetic rubber as well as learn about the Edison Botanic Research Lab where Edison explored and discovered a source of natural rubber which could be grown in Southwest Florida.  

Children will receive quiz sheets to complete and receive a free prize. The tour will be on a first come, first serve basis and includes admission to the Lab and Museum.  Estates Members are FREE; non members $12 adults, $5 children ages 6 -12, children 5 and under are FREE.  Tickets will be available at an additional cost to upgrade to a complete Home and Gardens Estates Tour. 

Groups may call to register for specialty scheduled tours and programs by calling 239-334-7419. 
 
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.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Programs – August 2010

August at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates includes a Summer’s End Celebration with FREE admission for teachers, school staff and their families; the introduction of a new Estates tour, Edison & Ford Young Inventor’s Family Tour; and Discounts to Southwest Florida Residents as well as a variety of other special programs throughout the month of August.  The August schedule of programs and events include:

Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp, Space  Available
For budding rocket scientists, film makers, animators and science detectives, registration is still open for Estates Inventors’ Summer Camp at the Estates. Weeklong camps continue through August 20.  Camp hours are 9 AM – 4 PM, Monday – Friday.  Camps are open for grades 1st – 6th and sessions are separated by grade levels, 1st – 3rd and 4th – 6th.  Cost for Estates Members is $200; non members $230.  Scholarships will be available.
• Spaceships & Rockets, August 9 – 13
The final Frontier!  Campers will explore the outer reaches of the universe with our resident spaceman.  Campers will get to visit planets, collect samples, float on our Lunar Lander, and tons more!
• Eager Engineers, August 16 – August 20
“To be a good inventor you need a good imagination and a pile of junk,” said Thomas Edison.  The Estates will supply the junk and jump start the imagination.  Campers will use recycled materials and develop Green Inventions such as robots that will perform a number of different tasks, conduct science experiments, participate in balloon car races, build bridges, and more!

Behind the Scenes Lab Tour for Estates Volunteers, August 4, 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.  

New Volunteer Orientation, August 10,10 AM
Join Estates staff to learn about volunteer opportunities, Estates policies and general Museum information.  This is a mandatory training for all Estates volunteers.  New and potential volunteers are welcome.

Summer’s End Celebration:  FREE Day for teachers, school staff & their families, August 14, tours begin at 10 AM
Besides FREE admission for teachers, school staff and their families, a full day of specialized tours (10:00 AM and 1:00 PM), hands-on sciences performances by the Estates Wild Wizard (12:00 PM), fish printing workshops (1:00PM – 3:00 PM) and the unveiling of the Estates newest tour, Edison & Ford Young Inventors Family Tour (3:00 PM) will be available throughout the day.   Educators and school staff must present a school issued identification badge to receive free admission.  Registration is required for specialized tours designed for educators. To register call the Estates Education Department at 239-334-7419. 

Docent Training, August 19, 9 AM
New Estates volunteers who are interested in becoming porch, Lab or Museum docents, or leading a group tour of the Estates grounds must attend this mandatory meeting.

NEW Edison & Ford Young Inventors Family Tour, August 21, 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
The Estates newest Museum tour offers families an interactive, hands-on inventions experience focusing on children’s science activities including the Ford assembly line; the incandescent light bulb; creating their own rubber product and the history of the first recorded sound “machine” Edisons’ phonograph to the MP3 player. Due to limited space, the tour will be on a first come first serve basis and includes admission to the Lab and Museum.   Cost is $12 adults, $5 children ages 6 -12 and FREE to 5 and under.    

Summer Discounts for Southwest Florida Residents, August 21
Just in time for the end of summer vacation, the Estates is offering half price admissions for all Southwest Florida residents to tour the Estates Museum, Laboratory, Homes and Gardens.  Tickets will be $10 for adults and $5.50 for children (ages 6 -12; 5 and under FREE).  Residents must present a driver’s license or voter registration card with photo ID to show their address in Lee, Hendry, Collier, Charlotte or Glades County. 

Quilting and Stitchery Demonstration, August 21, 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.

Sneak Peek Tour, August 26, 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.

Summer’s End Celebration – August 14

Free for teachers, summer campers, members and their families

On Saturday, August 14, 2010 the Edison & Ford Winter Estates will celebrate the end of summer and present a full day of specialized tours, hands-on science performances by the Estates Wild Wizard, fish printing workshops and the unveiling of the Estates newest tour, Edison & Ford Young Inventor’s Family Tour. 

Teachers, school staff and their families, summer campers and members will receive FREE admission and the public is invited to join and become an Estates member to receive FREE admission to the Estates. 

A schedule of activities include:
• Specialized teachers tours at 10 AM and 1 PM (registration required)
• Hands-on science performance by Estates Wild Wizard at 12 PM
• Fish printing workshop from 1 PM – 3 PM (bring a pre-washed t-shirt or shirts will be available for purchase)
• Sneak peek of the Estates newest tour, Edison &Ford Young Inventor’s Family Tour at 3 PM
• Activities throughout the day from affiliated organizations

Teachers and school staff must present a school issued identification badge to receive free admission.  Registration is required for specialized tours designed for educators.  To register call the Estates Education Department at 239-334-7419.

Calling all Rocket Scientists, Film Makers, Science Detectives

Inventors’  Summer Camp at Edison & Ford Winter Estates Spaces Available

 For budding rocket scientists, film makers, animators and science detectives, registration is still open for Estates Inventors’ Summer Camp at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The Estates is a living lab where every project engages the campers in the sciences, arts, and history to ask questions and discover the answers for themselves while having fun.

Week-long camps continue through August 13.  Camp hours are 9 AM – 4 PM, Monday – Friday.  Camps are open for grades 1st – 6th and sessions are separated by grade levels, 1st – 3rd and 4th – 6th.  Cost for Estates Members is $200; non members $230.  Scholarships will be available.

The Estates Inventor Summer Camp schedule is the following:
       
Kitchen Chemistry, June 21 – 25, July 26 – 30
This mind-boggling camp is a combination of the best experiments the Wild Wizard has to offer.  Campers will learn how to take every day things found in the kitchen and make them do amazing things.  Top it all off with a solar cookout with hand made ice cream and root beer float party!

Animation, June 28 – July 2 
The perfect mix of science and art.  Campers will develop original characters, write their own story, choose between many different animation styles, and make a short film.  Discussions are based on positive character traits, conflict resolution, and the power of making good choices.  All the films are edited and put on to a DVD for participants to take home and share with the whole family.

Spaceships & Rockets, July 5 – July 9
The final frontier!  Campers will explore the outer reaches of the universe with our resident spaceman.  Campers will get to visit planets, collect samples, float on our Lunar Lander, and tons more!

ESI – Edison Science Investigation, July 12 – July 16: 
Thomas Edison, known for his ability to turn normal objects in amazing inventions, made bamboo glow and tinfoil talk.  Now it’s your turn!  Each day, campers will be presented with a different mystery and they will only be given normal everyday items to solve them.  This fun and challenging camp will exercise your mind and body as the clock ticks away to solve the mystery!

Movie Making Magic, July 19 – 23 
Act, direct, operate the camera and build sets.  Campers will be fully immersed in the art of film making.  Participants will study Foley art (sound effects), movie magic (special effects), and script writing.  Campers will understand the basic techniques the pros use to get their ideas on the big screen.  After the camp is over each camper will receive a DVD of their film.

Kitchen Chemistry, July 26 – 30;
This mind-boggling camp is a combination of the best experiments the Wild Wizard has to offer.  Campers will learn how to take every day things found in the kitchen and make them do amazing things.  Top it all off with a solar cookout with hand made ice cream and root beer float party!

Eager Engineers, August 2 – August 6 
“To be a good inventor you need a good imagination and a pile of junk” said Thomas Edison.  The Estate will supply the junk and jump start the imagination.  Campers will use recycled materials and develop Green Inventions such as robots that will perform a number of different tasks, conduct science experiments, participate in balloon car races, build bridges, and more!

Spaceships & Rockets, August 9 – 13
The final Frontier!  Campers will explore the outer reaches of the universe with our resident spaceman.  Campers will get to visit planets, collect samples, float on our Lunar Lander, and tons more!

Eager Engineers, August 16 – August 20
“To be a good inventor you need a good imagination and a pile of junk” said Thomas Edison.  The Estates will supply the junk and jump start the imagination.  Campers will use recycled materials and develop Green Inventions such as robots that will perform a number of different tasks, conduct science experiments, participate in balloon car races, build bridges, and more!

Registration forms are available on line at www.efwefla.org.  or may be picked up at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates at 2350 McGregor Blvd.  for more information or to sign up contact the Estates Education Coordinator at 239-334-7419.

Lee County to Host Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s 32nd Annual Statewide Conference on May 13 through 15, 2010

Historic preservationists and advocates from around the state of Florida will soon gather in Fort Myers and Lee County, Fla., for the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s Annual Conference. Destination Preservation the 32nd Annual Statewide Preservation Conference will take place May 13 – 15, 2010, at the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers.

An announcement of the historic properties in Florida included on the 2010 Florida’s Eleven Most Endangered Historic Sites will be made on May 13, 2010, during the opening session. The Most Endangered Historic Sites program is designed to increase the public’s awareness of the urgent need to save Florida’s neglected or threatened historic resources and nominated properties are reviewed by a designated Most Endangered committee.

Preservation-specific classes will complement programs focused on downtown revitalization and development, and neighborhood design. Included in the schedule of historic site management workshops will be topics related to business management and marketing planning, collaboration and partnership development, and identifying funding sources in today’s economy. The conference program also includes a walking tour in the Historic Downtown Fort Myers which has undergone a terrific and exciting revitalization and restoration in recent years. An architecture and restoration tour is scheduled at the nearby Edison & Ford Winter Estates, and several tours will showcase the rich history of the Lee County area, display the balance between growth and development and its impact on the state’s agricultural heritage, and participants will learn about cultural landscape assessment methods.

“The upcoming conference offers something for everyone involved with and passionate about historic preservation,” said Mathias Bergendahl, Executive Director of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. “Architects specializing in historical restoration, city planners interested in learning about historic preservation efforts in Florida cities and neighborhoods, board members of a non-profit looking to secure funding for preservation projects, or preservation advocates seeking ideas for how to effectively communicate their message to legislators will benefit from attending.”

“Lee County is proud to host the conference for the first time in two decades,” said Chris Pendleton, Edison & Ford Winter Estates President & CEO and Trustee of Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. “The conference will include workshops, seminars, tours and events throughout the county.”  Pendleton serves as State Chair of the conference. Other local committee members include William Grace and Gina Taylor of Lee Trust for Historic Preservation, Local Chairs; Lisa Sbuttoni of Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Events Chair; Jared Beck of City of Fort Myers  and Merry Coffman of Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Tours and Transportation Co-Chairs; Theresa Schober of City of Fort Myers Beach, Workshop Chair; Naomi Goren  of Edison & Ford Winter Estates and Pam Brown of Lee County Visitor & Convention Center, Volunteers Co-Chairs; Jeff Mudgett and Michele Gouley of Parker Mudgett Smith Architects, Restoration Marketplace Co-Chairs; Pamela Johnson of Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Graphics and Design Co-Chairs.

Founded in 1978, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation promotes the preservation of the architectural, historical and archaeological heritage of Florida through advocacy, education and stewardship of historic properties. The Florida Trust advocates for the protection of historically significant properties and as part of its membership program offers free or reduced admissions and other special benefits at over 80 historic sites, museums and parks across the state of Florida.

For more information, please contact the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation at (850) 224-8128 or visit www.floridatrust.org.