NPS The Life and Times of Thomas Edison
In the Main Laboratory, the tour will highlight: - The history of Thomas Edison, his career, his inventions, and his unique contributions to science, engineering, and industry - The facilities where Edison and his workers turned ideas and research into prototypes and patents - The contributions of Edison’s gifted workers and collaborators, such as Lewis Latimer, John and Fred Ott, Regineld Fessenden, Theo Wangemann, WKL Dickson, and others. - Demonstrations of the phonograph and discussions about early film, and inventions that were perfected in the West Orange Lab Those choosing to tour Glenmont will: - Visit Thomas Edison’s private residence, a sprawling Queen Anne-style manor, designed by architect Henry Hudson Holly. - Learn about Mina Miller Edison and her role as the “Household Executive” - See portraits and artifacts significant to the Edisons that offer an intimate view into the lives of his spouse and children. After either tour, guests are welcome to conduct a self-guided tour of the Lab and the estate until park closure. When you sign up for an Adult Group Tour, you will receive an email within 5-7 Business days, where a representative will ask you whether you would like to do a tour of the Laboratory or the Glenmont Estate. On the day of your arrival, you will pay the standard park entrance of $15 for every person aged 16 and up. While there is no discounted rate for groups, those with Interagency Passes may waive that fee for themselves and up to three guests, including other members of their group. Tour reservations are made through Recreation.gov. Your group will pay a $1 reservation fee on Recreation.gov, in addition to the per-person rate described above. Here’s how to book on Recreation.gov:
NPS Staff
Group tours are available during limited windows of opportunity, and may not always be available. The duration of the tour is 60 minutes. The maximum group size is 30 persons. Groups that select the Lab group tour reservation may also tour Glenmont by securing tour tickets on their own. Likewise, groups that tour Glenmont through the group tour reservation may then tour the Lab as a self-guided experience. Please note that the house at Glenmont is not handicap accessible. Group tour reservations are first come, first served, and cannot be purchased or held by staff members on your behalf. If a date is not available on the calendar, there are no tours available on that date. |
Last updated: August 28, 2025