Thomas Edison National Historical Park — Attraction in West Orange

What a great historical park! The Thomas Edison National Historical Park is divided into two different parts at two different locations. The first park is Edison's "invention factory" at Menlo Park. Here you can see the places that Edison and his employees worked to develop some of the greatest inventions in all of history. The main factory building contains a library that Edison used for research, a music room that Edison worked to develop the phonograph in, a drawing room, and a film room (kinetograph). The factory work floors showcase many of Edison's inventions. Machines that Edison and his employees used are left fully intact for all to see. Mostly everything presented are historic originals. Across the way from the main factory building is the Chemistry Lab where Edison worked with employees. Again, original equipment is left fully intact in this lab. It was here that Edison created the practical storage battery. Finally, the main campus contains the Visitor Center with a gift shop. You can also watch a film about Edison in this part of the park. Park rangers and volunteers were friendly and helpful. The second part of the park is Edison's house called Glenmont. To go to Glenmont you should reserve a ticket ahead of time through the park website. You will have to drive into a neighborhood a little less than a mile away from the Menlo Park laboratory. The house is a spectacular Gilded Age mansion where Edison, his second wife, and kids lived. The house is located in the first planned community in the US. Although a different owner built the house under suspicious circumstances Edison bought the house and expanded it. All decorations and furniture are original to the house. Perhaps, the house library is most interesting in that none of the books in the house were ever even opened or used. Edison's garage is one of a kind featuring not only a Model T, but some early electric cars from the 1900's. A greenhouse is also on the property. In the back of the house is where Edison and his wife are buried. Make sure to go to both places if visiting the park. It is hard to find a better museum of historical...

The Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a treasure trove of a place. Before visiting Edison's laboratory, I had a scheduled tour at his Glenmont Estate which was absolutely fantastic. Although not the original color of the home, I was struck by the red, brick coloring of its exterior and was even more excited by what was inside. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside of the home so I will do my best to convey that excitement.

Inside, Glenmont feels like the intersection between tradition and innovation. There is, of course, a lot of light inside of the house with wonderful and unique chandeliers. The stained glass windows also add a touch of elegance to the interior of the home. My absolute favorite part of the house, which made visiting it so worth it, was getting to see Edison's family room. The warm glow emanating from the golden curtains, and the various bobbles and lamps inside of it gave me such a feeling of inspiration and optimism.

As a reminder though, to tour the Glenmont Estate you must reserve tickets online through the National Parks Service website. Our tour was 35 minutes in length, and we got to see the first and second floors of the house.

Besides the estate, Edison's laboratory is also worth visiting. It's cool to see the mechanics and machinery inside of his lab, and what was being used during his time. The staff are so friendly and enthusiastic about teaching visitors about the lab. I accidentally found myself in a short presentation in Edison's music room, and got to hear how an Edison phonograph with records and cylinders sounded like. It's wild to be listening to the sounds of the past, unfiltered.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting this national historic park. It's a nice day trip if you're from NY like I am, and it's super interesting to look back on Edison's history...

I am giving this place a 1 star rating because of the rude old caucasian guy who unfortunately is even a Park Ranger. If you are reading this you know who you are. Me and my cousin were so excited to finally come here so we can tick it off of our National Parks lists. We collect passport stamps as well as a souvenir from all of our visits. This unbelievably rude park ranger walked up to me and took the Junior Ranger stamp and said “this is a Junior Ranger stamp, when you become a Junior Ranger you can use it”. I was left speechless by this callous display of attitude, from a Ranger no less. He didn’t even asked if i was getting it for my kid or a niece/nephew.

He saw 2 non-white women and decided hey they’re not kids they can’t get this stamp. What a petty thing to do! Philadelphia had 11 stamps tucked away in 1 corner and you were free to stamp away, same with the Boston sites and the PNW ones. They had 2 and this old guy seems to be guarding them with his life. We have gone to 25+ National Parks and this is the first time a Park Ranger has been rude to us ever! He ruined our entire visit because of his bad attitude right at the beginning of our visit.

We will never go back here again and would not suggest to family and friends to come either. Maybe it’s time you retired, you don’t seem to be happy with your job anymore. You are in the business of customer service and your attitude is garbage. This place charges entrance fees and we even have the annual pass which means we are legit National Parks Travellers. You seem to have forgotten that your salary relies on the visitors who come and yet you decide...