July at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted with the return of Henry Ford’s Birthday Celebration, a summer with a Sneak Peek Tour and Estates Inventor’s Summer Camp as well as a variety of other special programs throughout the month of July. The July schedule of programs and events include:
Estates open July 4th
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates will be open July 4th from 9 AM – 5:30 PM. Estates members are FREE and there are several reciprocal admission programs.
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, 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 filmmaking. 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!
• 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 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!
New Volunteer Orientation, July 13, 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.
Docent Training, July 22, 9 AM
New Estates volunteers who are interested in becoming Edison & Ford porch, Lab and Museum docents, or leading a group tour of the Estates grounds must attend this mandatory meeting.
Quilting and Stitchery Demonstration, July 24, 10 AM – 1 PM
Quilter’s from the Southwest Florida Quilter’s Guild and members of the Southwest Florida Embroidery Guild will be demonstrating quilting and stitching techniques on the Edison porch. Members of the Guild 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. The Southwest Florida Quilter’s Guild presented the Estates with a replica Ford Collection Quilt that is on exhibit in the Estates Museum. Demonstration is FREE with purchase of Estates Home and Garden Tour ticket.
Sneak Peek Tour, July 29, 9:30 AM
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. Due to the intimate nature of “Sneak Peek Tours”, space is limited and registration is required.
Happy Birthday Henry Ford, July 30, 10 AM
The Estates will be celebrating the 147th birthday of Henry Ford and the recently completed restoration of “the Mangoes,” the winter estate of the Ford family. The morning celebration includes cake and a behind the scenes tour of the Ford Estate. Estates Members FREE; non members, adults $20, children $11 and includes a tour of the homes, gardens, lab and museum.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates' Blog 