August Programs & Events | Edison & Ford Winter Estates

August at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted with the return of Quilting and Stitchery Demonstrations in the Edison Caretaker’s House, Estates Garden Shoppe Plant Sale and the last week of Edison & Ford Winter Estates Inventor’s Camp as well as a variety of  children and adult programs throughout the month.  The August schedule of programs and events include:

Edison Coconut Palms Restoration Dedication Ceremony, August 5, 10 a.m.
Thomas and Mina Edison loved their coconut palms and planted dozens of them along their McGregor Boulevard fence and at the visitor gate to their winter estate.  Join staff, Estates Board of Trustees, special guests Landscape Architect and Estates Trustee Helen Hendry,  garden patron Berne Davis, who remember the Edison Coconuts first hand, and City of Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson as we dedicate the planting of two of the coconut palms and begin the restoration process which will continue over the next year.  Refreshments will be served.  RSVP requested by calling (239) 334-7419.

Monthly Volunteer Meeting and New Volunteer Orientation, August 9, 9:30 a.m.
Join Estates curatorial staff and John Kurdyla, author and collector of one of the largest collections of Edison phonographs in Europe.  Learn about making music and movies with the Estates collection.  This is a regular monthly volunteer meeting and mandatory training for all new Estates volunteers but potential volunteers are also welcome.

Estates Garden Shoppe Summer Plant Sale, August 12 and 13, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Receive 20% off plants, books, seeds, supplies and garden art in the Estates Garden Shoppe located in the Estates public Heritage Gardens.  Heritage plants propagated in the Estates nursery are available for sale as well as annuals, herbs, fruit trees, butterfly plants and a variety of landscaping plants.  Estates horticultural staff will be available to answer questions on Florida gardening.  Admission to the Estates Garden Shoppe is always FREE.

Garden Talk – Unusual Plants to Add to Your Garden, August 13, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Thomas Edison planted many unusual plants on his winter estates that are part of the historic gardens today.  Join Estates horticultural staff to learn about native Florida, exotic and heritage plants that you can add to your own landscape.  Reservations not required. Estates members are free, non members $5, all participants will receive a $5 gift certificate to be used in the Estates Garden Shoppe.

Quilting and Stitchery Demonstration, August 27, 10 AM – 1 PM
Quilters from the Southwest Florida Quilter’s Guild and members of the Southwest Embroidery Guild will demonstrate quilting and stitching and will be available to answer questions.  Items will be available for purchase.  The Quilters are preparing for the Estates Annual Clothesline Quilt Show on October 29, 2011, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Demonstration is FREE with purchase of Estates Complete Tour ticket.

One Week Left – Edison & Ford Winter Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp Registration is still open for Estates Inventors’ Summer Camp, August 1 – 5, NEW: “Smarts in Art” session at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Camps are open for grades 1^st – 6^th and sessions are separated by grade levels, 1^st – 3^rd and 4^th – 6^th.  Cost for Estates Members is $200; non members $230.  Scholarships are available.  Registration forms are available on line at http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/education/summer-camp2/ 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 Department at (239) 334-7419.

NEW German Language Tour, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
For German speaking visitors, the Estates offers 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 presented in German. Groups can schedule a German Language tour, available throughout the week, by calling the Estates at 239-334-7419.

Behind the Scenes Tour, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
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 “Behind the Scene Tours” space is limited and registration is required.

Estates Botanical Tour, Tuesday and Saturday mornings, 10 a.m.
The Estates Botanical Tours will be offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays 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 Estates members, FREE; non members, $24 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 -12.  Visitors may upgrade their ticket for $6 to include a self-guided audio wand tour of the historic buildings and Estates Museum.  Group botanical tours are available at a discounted price and may be scheduled throughout the week by calling (239) 334-7419.

Edison Ford Young Inventor’s Tour, Daily 10 a.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 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.