Edison and Ford Winter Estates announces re-opening of Museum and Laboratory

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is re-opening the east side of the site, which includes the Museum, Laboratory, Garden Shoppe and Museum Store this Saturday, Oct 22 from 9 a m to 5:30 p m Step Into History presentations and phonograph demonstrations will be offered each day Visitors will also get to see all of the antique cars that are normally on the Ford property, as those were moved into the museum before the hurricane A reduced admission ticket will be offered, which includes the Museum and Lab ($15 for adults, $12 for teens (ages 13-19), $8 for children (ages 6-12), and children 5 and younger are admitted free.

The museum features hundreds of artifacts, and examples of both Thomas Edison's and Henry Ford's inventions The Timeline of Innovation depicts inventions that were created in each decade, along with news headlines to capture what was happening in the United States during the time period

A new exhibit, called the Wizard's Workshop will be open in the museum This family-friendly exhibit features hands-on activities and offers the opportunity for anyone to become an inventor as they build and experiment The exhibit is sponsored by WGCU Public Media

The Laboratory is a National Historic Chemical Landmark (the only one in Florida) and is the site where Thomas Edison and his workers tested more than 17,000 plant species while searching for a natural source of latex to produce rubber The Lab features original test tubes, beakers and machines that Edison used

The Garden Shoppe is open and offers a place for locals to purchase exotic ornamentals, Florida natives, f r u i t t r e e s , h e r b s , v e g e t a b l e s a n d b u t t e r f l y p l a n t s Decorative ceramic flower pots, fountains, and garden art pieces are also available New shipments of plants will arrive weekly

In addition, the Museum Store gift shop is open and includes Thomas Edison and Henry Ford keepsakes, kitchen items, Florida-inspired souvenirs, children's games, books, t-shirts and hats Members receive a discount on all retail and garden purchases

The riverside of the property is still being cleared of debris and is expected to open on Saturday, October 29 to coincide with the new Fall Festival This family- friendly event will take place on the museum side of the property from 9 a m to 4 p m The public is invited to shop craft vendor booths, purchase something to eat and drink from the food trucks, and listen to music Parking is free and there is no charge to attend the festival; however, an admission ticket is required to tour the remainder of the site

Several activities will take place during the Fall Festival, including the Banyan Tree Climb, which is s p o n s o r e d b y t h e F l o r i d a N u r s e r y , G r o w e r s a n d Landscape Association ($45 for non-members; $35 for Edison Ford members); pre-registration is encouraged as space fills up quickly There will also be a pumpkin patch (cash preferred to purchase pumpkins) with the option to paint the pumpkins, along with kid-friendly axe throwing, archery, face painting, balloon art, fairy hair, and science experiments (additional fee for each vendor).

While staff have been clearing debris from the site, additional work is needed in the gardens Anyone wanting to help restore the gardens, may make a donation through the website at EdisonFord org

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is at 2350 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers