Thomas Alva Edison Birthplace

History

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The Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum is dedicated to inspiring and educating the public about the remarkable life and innovations of Thomas Edison, one of America's most prolific and influential inventors. This charming house, built in 1841, is where Thomas Alva Edison's incredible journey began. He spent his formative years here in Milan, Ohio, absorbing the sights and sounds of a bustling canal town. The energy of this 19th-century shipping hub, with its majestic schooners and busy docks, sparked a curiosity in young Edison that would shape his future. ​

Opening to the public on February 11, 1947, the museum celebrated the centennial of Edison's birth, with Madeleine Edison, his daughter, presiding over the occasion. Since then, the museum has continuously evolved, enriching its storytelling of Edison's life and achievements. The addition of the Don Gfell Education Center provides even more opportunities for visitors to explore Edison's inventions and their impact on the world.

Added by: sdonley on 03/27/2025 DB#:720
Source(s):
https://www.tomedison.org/mission-history

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