Thomas Edison National Historical Park Remembers the Inventor with Free Programs

The Year of Innovation is upon us. To celebrate, the residents of West Orange will be allowed the opportunity to get a glimpse of the final year of Thomas Edison’s life and the scope of his accomplishments.

Thomas Edison National Historical Park is hosting three days worth of programs that are free with admission that discuss Edison’s life, legacy and how to preserve a budding inventor’s digital files.

Below is an overview of the events. Interested persons may call the historical park at 973-736-0550.

Thursday, October 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at the West Orange Public Library, 46 Mt. Pleasant Ave.
How to Preserve Your Personal Digital Collections
Jerry Fabris, Museum Curator
Have you ever lost a large group of your own digital photos, or other important digital files? Most people today need to save digital information – photographs, audio, video, email, documents. Yet, preserving digital files can be problematic, especially on a household budget. Drawing from guidelines developed by the National Digital Information Infrastructure & Preservation Program, this free one-hour presentation will provide basic tips to help make your personal digital collections last long-term, into the future.
As a Museum Curator at Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Jerry Fabris preserves the park’s extensive audio collections and serves on National Park Service’s Digital Information Services Council. He has a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Rutgers University.

2nd Saturday – October 11th at 10:00 a.m. (especially for children)
Leaving a Legacy
Thomas Edison is best known for the phonograph, light bulb and motion pictures, but his legacy is much more. Join a ranger to explore the laboratory complex and discover the many things that make up Edison’s legacy. As part of the program you will make a hand print to leave behind as part of your legacy, just as Edison did.

3rd Thursday – October 16th at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Last Moments
Thomas Alva Edison died in October 1931 at his Glenmont Estate. He was 84 years old. To commemorate the anniversary of his death, we will offer evening tours of his home in Llewellyn Park. During the Last Moments tours visitors will hear about his final hours and the impact that his passing had on the world. Listen to passages from his last will and testament and view condolence telegrams from around the world. Edison’s death mask and a cast of his right hand will be on exhibit.
Tour tickets are limited and reservations are required. Reservations can be made by calling 973-736-0550, ext.89.