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.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates' Blog 