Museum - Edison Birthplace Association, Inc. in Milan, Ohio

The Edison Birthplace recently lost a longtime friend and former trustee. Dan Jones made things happen. His ideas and generosity were integral in the largest fundraiser we ever had, bringing Mickey Rooney to Milan in 2004, as Mickey Rooney played Edison in the 1943 movie Young Tom Edison. Dan was the one who suggested Mickey Rooney, donated of his fee and kept on Robert Wheeler to make it happen. It literally would not have happened without him. We extend our condolences to his three children Alexis, Roger, Shelby, and will remember him as always smiling.

The Charles Edison Fund is excited to be working with Mondadori Libri S.p.A to bring two of our favorite educational figures together in one book! In the new addition to the famous Geronimo Stilton series, he comes face to face with Thomas Edison with a time machine....where Edison is very helpful in organizing a party for his grandfather. The book, currently only offered in Italian, offers a fresh perspective on how Edison's inventions and life story are still relevant today in our young reader's lives. It is a great opportunity to share with students looking to learn Italian and the history of invention. Now available for purchase on Amazon or GeronimoStilton.com!

Lewis Latimer was extraordinary.....

Appointments can be made until the last tour on Sunday, July 19th, 2020. As always, please remember to wear a facial covering to protect yourself and the others around you. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected], or give us a call at (419)-499-2135. During our pause, we are pivoting to the future. COVID-19 is a catalyst changing things for all of us. Tom would see that and ask, what do people want? Then he’d go an...d do it. We looked at the rapid uptake of Zoom and Tele-medicine, and decided we should use the pause to pivot to a better digital experience for our visitors both here at the Birthplace with our Docents, and people anywhere who are simply curious about the young Tom Edison. Check in with us as we make the pivot, Tom knew that you usually have to figure out what doesn’t work to come up with something that does, and we always appreciate feedback from our guests. Please check our website and social media for any updates. Thanks for your understanding. Soon, we hope to see you at the Birthplace in person!

We had a question recently from a visitor who was looking at our photos of TA Edison and H Ford. He speculated that the Model T and Model A Fords were named after TA Edison's first and middle initials. So there began some research and here it is.....Ford called it the Model T because it followed Model S........When Ford began production in 1903, he started with Model A. There were also Model B and C versions of this two-cylinder car. As time progressed, Ford offered other ...models. The Model K was a big six cylinder car that Henry Ford hated, but his stockholders insisted he build. Ford kept experimenting with various models, but not all the models were offered for sale. He progressed to Models N, R & S which were similar cars that had obvious external differences. Then, in 1928, Ford started the alphabet again with the Model A to symbolize that the new Model A had no connection to the Model T. See more

We are finally opening! Here are our requirements during the time of the COVID-19 virus.... Tours are by appointment only......see our website for ticketing options SOON... for now, phone 419-499-2135 and leave a message or email [email protected] Because of the need for physical distancing for your safety, we are limiting tours to 3 people....or....if a you’re family group living together, up to 8. Masks are required. We will ask you to sanitize your hands at a station on our admissions desk. Be aware too that our prices have changed. For details, please go to our website www.tomedison.org or call 419-499-2135 and listen to our message. We are striving to make the best experience for you during this time of COVID-19 restrictions. Thank you for understanding.

WE’RE STILL CLOSED IN MAY. We’re hoping to open in June, after making sure that we are able to follow the guidelines of our state and federal govts. to keep visitors and staff safe in this era of the COVID-19 virus. Meanwhile, enjoy some images of our neighborhood wild peacock Percy, who has his beautiful plumage again. You’ll see him around the Birthplace or other homes in the neighborhood. He roosts in our trees at night, as seen below. He’s our good friend. If you come to see him, drive slowly on the street, he may be anywhere. See you all very soon.

Dr. Paul Israel is a member of the Edison Birthplace Board of Trustees: Constituting America's LIVE Zoom tomorrow night (Sat May 2) with Dr. Paul Israel on the life of Thomas Edison and the Constitution. Interested in learning even more about Thomas Edison? Join the Constituting America Live ZOOM with actress Janine Turner & students interviewing Dr. Paul Israel of the The Thomas Edison Papers at Rudgers University - it will be a fascinating hour! Click here to sign up now - Saturday, May 2- 9pm ET/8pm CT us.constitutingamerica.org/edison

Photo by Milan Mayor Ben Smith.

Please support The Edison Birthplace Museum and the Milan Museum who, with other museums across America, also need help in the economic recovery.

We continue to be closed and we miss all our visitors.

Since we remain closed, here’s a link to our monthly newsletter. Stay well everyone! https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Hey--it-s-our-March-202