What to see and do at The Thomas Edison National Historical Park in NJ

Getting to know Edison -- Steven Rindner Main Street Advisor

People tend to forget that Thomas Edison is responsible for bringing to the world more than just the ubiquitous light bulb. A visit to New Jersey’s Thomas Edison National Historical Park will enrich your understanding and appreciation of the renowned inventor.

This national park is in itself a national treasure of the United States, a testament to Edison’s forward-looking attitude and ingenuity. Once visitors enter the main building, they will be surprised at the attention to preservation. The workshops and office look exactly like Edison left them, as the gracious park rangers will be quick to emphasize. Steven Rindner Main Street Advisor.

The mansion’s historical importance will also immediately be felt, as one notices contraptions and devices used by Edison in his experimentations with filming, photography, lighting, and the phonograph. It is recommended to do a self-guided tour of the inventor’s library and factory before or after touring of the main house.

Steven Rindner Main Street Advisor. While the mansion itself isn’t such a big area, visitors will be able to roam around the estate and visit Glenmont, Edison’s nearby home. There’s also a chemistry lab and a movie studio in the estate. The rangers can also guide visitors to Edison’s garage, where they can espy Edison’s various electric cars. They will answer your queries about the inventor’s life and other features of the estate. There are volunteers stationed in the different peripheral buildings to offer insights and fun trivia as well.

A visit to The Thomas Edison National Historical Park is truly a step back in time and a way into discovering where America’s greatest inventor toiled and labored to change lives—and the world—forever. Steven Rindner Main Street Advisor.