Adult and Commercial Group Tour: The Life and Times of Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison National Historical Park Tours
This Guided Walking Tour is for Adult and Commercial groups, where guests may select EITHER a 60-minute tour of the Main Laboratory OR a 30-minute tour of the Glenmont Estate BUT NOT BOTH.
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, 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 Hawley
- Learn about Mina Edison-Miller and her role as the “Household Executive”
- See portraits and artifacts that were not only significant to Edison but ones 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.
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.
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- Adult Group
Adult group tours are reserved for large business groups, or commercial groups. This tour is not intended for Family Groups or individuals.
- Group Tours
The Life and Times of Thomas Edison tours are approximately 60 minutes long, with most of the time spent indoors.
- Reservation Fee
When booking your group reservation, please ensure that you account for and pay the $1 Non-Refundable Reservation Fee for all adults. Book on Recreation.gov
- Pay Required Entrance Fee on Site
A per person Entrance Fee of $15. is charged for anyone 16 years of age and older. Anyone under 16 years of age is free. It is valid for seven days. It admits the visitor to Edison's Laboratory buildings and grounds open to the public during their visit. Can Purchase on site at the Laboratory Visitor Center, 211 Main Street, West Orange, NJ.
- Entrance Fee Exceptions
EXCEPTION: If you have an IA Park Pass or Site Annual Pass the $15 Entrance fee is waived for the CARD HOLDER and 3 ADULT GUEST. IA Park Pass or Site Annual Pass must be present when you check in.
- Food on Site
No food or drinks allowed on Site
- Meeting Your Tour Guide
Meet the guide at the Laboratory Visitor Center, located at 211 Main Street, West Orange, NJ. Tours begin promptly at the scheduled time. Please have your email confirmation form Recreation.gov to show your tour guide.
- Arrive on Time
Visitors who arrive late will be admitted with an abbreviated tour or forfeit of a guided tour.
- Operating Hours for Group tours
October, November, December, March, April, and May
