Edison & Ford Winter Estates begin Museum Tours and Invention Demonstrations

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is offering new Museum tours and invention demonstrations throughout the summer months.  Invention demonstrations throughout the day include the Edison phonograph every half hour and other presentations including antique cars and tours of the Edison Research Laboratory.

The 15,000 square foot air conditioned Museum has an impressive collection of inventions and artifacts, special exhibitions and archives.  Throughout the summer the Estates offers visitors of all ages a chance to step back into “old Florida” and learn more about the world of invention through hands-on demonstrations and tours of the property which includes a 1920’s research laboratory and hundreds of historical inventions. 

Admission includes museum tours, guided tours of the homes and gardens and use of a free audio wand.  Estates members are FREE.  In addition to providing the opportunity to explore the winter retreats of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, the site also offers opportunities for the public to enjoy its park-like environment for special events, weddings, corporate functions, and art and musical presentations as well as educational programs throughout the year. 

For more information on value packages and the pristine beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel visit www.FortMyers-Sanibel.com.

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 – 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.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Programs – February 2010

February at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted with Thomas Edison’s Birthday Celebration, Estates Antique Car Show, Brunch with Mina Edison and the continuation of Sneak Peek Tours as well as a variety of other special programs throughout the month.  The February schedule of programs and events include:

Registration for Edison & Ford Winter Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp begins

The Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp is back again this year and the Wild Wizard is here all summer long.  Camp begins on June 8, 2010 and runs through August 13, 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 www.efwefla.org 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 February 4, 11, 18 & 25, 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 inside 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. 

Home Schoolers:  “Movie Making Secrets” February 5, 1 PM – 3 PM

Home schooled students will act, direct, operate a camera and build a set while learning about Edison’s contributions to the movie industry.  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.

Antique Car Show  February 6 , 10 AM – 2PM

Nearly 100 antique car collectors will display their antique cars throughout the Ford Estate. Other activities during the day include live music, food available for purchase on the Ford Cottage Terrace, Mr. & Mrs. Ford leading informal tours of the Ford Estate.  Cost is FREE to Estates Members and $5 for non members. 

Antique Car Show Model T Tour and Lecture February 6, 11 AM & 1 PM

Learn the history of Henry Ford and his automobiles first-hand through the Estates collection.  Participants will tour the Ford Estate and meet antique car owners who will provide interesting information specific to their Ford.  Estates Members FREE; non members $5, lecture included in the price of Antique Car Show admission.

Naples Historical Society Presentation February 6, 2 PM, Estates Museum

Elaine Reed and John Mayer of the Naples Historical Society will present “Tales from the Past,” a history of the City of Naples.  They will discuss the pioneers and other colorful characters that put Naples on the map.  Estates Members FREE; non members $12 adults, $6 children ages 6 – 12 and includes admission to the Estates Lab and Museum. 

Etiquette at the Estates February 6, 11 AM – 1 PM, (Children ages 6 -12)

Etiquette at the Estates teaches children proper introduction, handshakes and dining etiquette during a three-course meal.  The classes will be taught by etiquette expert Suzanne Willis who has been teaching similar classes throughout the nation.  Registration is required. Cost:   Estates Members $40; non members $50.

New Volunteer Orientation February 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. 

Edison’s 163rd Birthday Celebration and Book Signing February 11, 10 AM

Celebrate Edison’s birthday at the Estates with the staff, distinguished guests and Edison Park Elementary School students who will perform music from the Edison era.  Performance begins at 10:00 AM with cake to follow. The birthday celebration is FREE to the public.  In addition, Tom Smoot, Jr., author of The Edisons in Fort Myers; John Sheppard, author of One Man’s Family in Early Fort Myers; and Alan S. Maltz, author of Visions of Beauty Fort Myers, Sanibel & Beyond will be available to sign their books throughout the morning in the Estates public Heritage Gardens. 

Brunch with Mrs. Edison “Living with a Genius” February 12 & 13, 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. Hats are encouraged!  Reservations are required, seating is limited.  Estates Members $50; non members $60.  Group rates available.

Docent Training February 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.

Art in the Gardens “Butterflies at the Estates” Exhibit February 28 – 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.

Grab a Hammock and Your Lemonade: Suggested Summer Reads

by Rebecca Jones, Estates Collections Information Specialist

Looking for an interesting title to help you while away the lazy days of summer? Several writers have recently produced factual books that are so engaging they read just like novels. Check out one of the following, several are available at our online bookstore;

  

 

 

Greg Grandin. Fordlandia: The Rise and Fall of Henry Ford’s Forgotten Jungle City. (2009) Recently named one of Amazon.com’s Best Books of 2009 … So Far, Fordlandia presents the stranger-than-fiction tale of Henry Ford’s attempt to exploit the Brazilian rubber industry by setting up an American-style outpost in the middle of the Amazonian rain forest. The story of Fordlandia offers an engaging portrait of the often-contradictory, but always fascinating, Henry Ford.

 

 

 

Jill Jonnes. Empires of Light: Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse, and the Race to Electrify the World. (2004) A fascinating and accessible account of not only the individual scientists responsible for bringing electricity to Gilded Age America, but the market forces on Wall Street that ultimately controlled this revolution. Also available in the Museum Store. 

 

 

 

Jane S. Smith. The Garden of Invention: Luther Burbank and the Business of Breeding Plants. (2009) Unlike his friends Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, Luther Burbank’s name isn’t immediately recognizable today. Cultural historian Jane Smith does an admirable job of telling the story of Burbank’s fame as a bioengineer in an age when such a term had yet to be coined. Burbank developed more than 800 new breeds of plants, making him a folk hero during the early twentieth century, a time when Americans moved from farms to cities in droves and the fascination with man’s domination over nature was at its height. A captivating look at a forgotten celebrity.

 

 

 

 Joe Jackson. The Thief at the End of the World: Rubber, Power, and the Seeds of Empire. (2008) After World War I, Thomas Edison spent the last decade of his life working to end our dependence on international rubber by attempting to produce a domestic source right here in Fort Myers. Fifty years earlier, Englishman Henry Wickham ensured his country’s dominance of the worldwide rubber trade by stealing 70,000 seeds from the Amazon and smuggling them to scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, who in turn planted them in Britain’s Asian colonies. The Thief at the End of the World is the remarkably readable tale of this adventure in “biopiracy.”

 

 

 

 Tom Standage. The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable Story of the Telegraph and the Nineteenth Century’s On-line Pioneers. (2007)  Standage highlights the competitions, successes, failures, and personal heartaches that comprised the creation of the telegraph (perfected by Thomas Edison) in the late nineteenth century. This quick history also demonstrates how technological advances bring about uncontrollable, lightning-fast cultural change. In the age of the Internet, smart phones, and instant communication, we can certainly relate.

 

 

 

 Randall Stross. The Wizard of Menlo Park: How Thomas Alva Edison Invented the Modern World. (2007) Stross takes on Thomas Edison’s story through a different lens; that of Edison as self-created public icon. An entertaining look at Edison’s attempts at self-promotion, the ensuing extreme lack of privacy, and his status as the first American superstar. Stross argues that the greatest of Edison’s inventions was himself.

 

 

 

 Susan Orlean. The Orchid Thief: A True Story of Beauty and Obsession. (1998) The Edisons were fascinated with orchids and hung them in the trees throughout their Seminole Lodge estate here in Fort Myers. Mina Edison even named an outdoor walkway on the property “Orchid Lane,” in honor of these exceptional beauties. Susan Orlean’s bestselling tale of “orchidmania” takes readers on a wild ride through the swamps of Florida, chronicling one man’s journey from orchid fascination to criminal prosecution.

 

  

 

 Michael Grunwald. The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise (2007). The Florida Everglades may seem like a weighty topic for a summer read, but don’t let the title of this mesmerizing book fool you. Grunwald, an award-winning Washington Post journalist, chronicles the role of politics in the desecration and rebuilding of this ecosystem in a provocative, engaging narrative. Edison and Ford and their families were lucky enough to experience the unique environment of the Everglades during a 1914 camping trip to the area. Grunwald captures the “Glades” from that pristine era through modern times. You won’t be able to put it down.