Thomas Edison National Park Proposes Fee Increase In 2015

Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange has proposed a fee increase which would be implemented in 2015. The current park entrance fees have been in place since 2009.

Entrance fees would see a three-dollar increase, and the cost of an annual parking pass would go up $10. The $5 Expanded Amenity Fee for the Audio Tour would remain the same. Currently, entrance fees are $7 and annual parking passes cost $30.

“We are committed to keeping the park affordable but we also want to provide visitors with the best possible experience,” said Thomas Edison National Historical Park Superintendent Thomas Ross.

Entrance fees are not charged to persons under 16 years of age or holders of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Senior, Access or Military Passes. These passes may be obtained at the Park.

Five Years Later: Park Completes Major Renovations, Secures New Exhibits

Over the past five years several major projects have been completed using entrance fee revenue.

• New LED lighting was installed in exhibit cabinets on the third floor of the main laboratory building to enable visitors to get a closer look at the artifacts. These museum objects, which include Ediphones, voltmeters, and even firefighter helmets, were previously stored behind closed doors.

• New automatic door openers were installed throughout the Laboratory Complex to improve accessibility for visitors using wheelchairs or with mobility impairments.

• A new vestibule was constructed at the main laboratory entrance to accommodate the new automatic doors.

• Museum conservators were hired to clean, remove corrosion and treat all of the historic machines in the precision machine shop to ensure long-term preservation.

How Would the Fee Increase Benefit the Park?

• Additional revenue raised by a fee increase would help stabilize and pave the paths and driveways around the Glenmont estate making them accessible to all.

• The 20 historic trees, uprooted by recent hurricanes and snowstorms could be replaced.

• The foundation plantings around the mansion could be re-established using the historic drawings. The metal artifacts on the grounds of the Laboratory Complex could be conserved and protected.

• The Park held a program entitled Your Fee Dollars at Work in January, which offered this information on the proposed increase during two open sessions. A final decision on the fee increase has yet to be made.

About Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a strong economic engine for the surrounding area. In 2012, more than 53,000 park visitors contributed $2.8 million to the local economy and supported 33 jobs related to tourism.

Information courtesy of Theresa Jung

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