Laboratory Complex Visitor Center at Thomas Edison National Historical Park

EDISON LABORATORY COMPLEX VISITOR CENTER

The main visitor center for the 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,

The Laboratory Complex Visitor Center is the place to get information about the park, pay your entrance fee, rent an audio tour device, and get a ticket for a tour of Edison’s Glenmont Mansion. There is also a small book and souvenir store.

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

Four films are also shown at the Visitor Center. Visitors can select which film they 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.

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

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.

GLENMONT VISITOR CENTER AND GREENHOUSE

Glenmont Visitor Center at Thomas Edison National Historical Park

The original 1909 Gardener’s Cottage on the Glenmont Estate property has been turned into a visitor center for mansion guests. You can also walk through the greenhouse.

Gardener’s Cottage and greenhouse at Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Inside the Glenmont greenhouse at Thomas Edison National Historical Park

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