Laboratory Complex Visitor Center at Thomas Edison National Historical Park

GENERAL INFORMATION

The main visitor center for Thomas Edison National Historical Park is located just inside the entrance gate of the Edison Laboratory Complex. This was the second building completed after construction began on the complex in 1887. It was originally used as a physics laboratory.

OPERATING HOURS

The Laboratory Complex Visitor Center is typically open on Thursdays through Mondays from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Keep in mind that times can always change, so be sure to get the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s Basic Information web page for the park.

AMENITIES

• Ranger-staffed information desk where you can ask questions and pick up a park brochure
• Pay park entrance fee
• Get a Glenmont Grounds pass
• Sign in for Glenmont Mansion tours
• Souvenir and bookstore
• Park films
• Restrooms

Inside the Laboratory Complex Visitor Center at Thomas Edison National Historical Park

PARK FILMS

Movie theater at the Laboratory Complex Visitor Center at Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Four films are also shown at the Visitor Center. Select the one you want to see by pushing the appropriate button on a panel near the video screen. Total run time for all four films is approximately an hour. The films are suitable for all ages.

The films shown are as follows:

The Great Train Robbery
Produced in 1903, this was one of the first movies to tell a story. It was shot by Edwin Porter and stars Alfred Abadie, Broncho Billy Anderson, and Justus Barnes. Anderson and Barnes were actual actors, while Abadie was one of Edison’s employees. He went on to make other films as a director and cameraman. Run time is 12 minutes.

Invention Factory
This 18-minute film gives an overview of the Thomas Edison National Historical Park.

The Glenmont Estate: A Historical Tour
Glenmont Mansion was run by Edison’s wife, Mina, and this 22-minute film focuses on her, the children, servants, and the social life surrounding the mansion. Edison himself is relegated to nothing more than a supporting player, as he spent most of his time at the laboratory. The film also provides a room by room tour of the house. If you can’t make an actual tour, this is the next best thing.

The Wizard of West Orange
Seven-minute film discusses some of the major inventions that came out of Edison’s West Orange facility and their relevance to today’s technology.

SCHUDULING YOUR TIME

Other than the films, there are no exhibits at the Laboratory Complex Visitor Center, so the only activities that will take up your time (aside from the films) are talking with a park Ranger about what there is to see and do at the park, paying your entrance fee, and getting your Glenmont Grounds Pass. Allow fifteen minutes for these tasks, and of course up to another hour if you want to watch any of the films.

Back to the Top