Academic Group Tours
We invite you and your students to Thomas Edison National Historical Park to tour one of the world’s first industrial research and development labs and to learn excellent lessons in STEM, history, and creativity!
Academic groups of all levels, from elementary school through high school and university graduates, will find enriching experiences in history and STEM when they visit.
There are two choices for touring: Guided Tours and Self-Guided Tours
Guided Tours
Guided tours are generally available on Wednesdays and Thursdays, at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. They last 90 minutes and consist of a 60-minute tour of the laboratory followed by a 30 minute group activity. Maximum group size may not exceed 30x students, and a minimum of 1 adult chaperone must accompany every 15 students.
Teachers and professors may choose from the following lesson plans:
|
Lesson Plan |
Description |
Recommended Grade Level |
|
Idea to Product the Edison Way |
Using Edison’s engineering method, students will invent a product. |
4th-8th Grade |
|
Who’s the Victor? |
Students will compare and contrast Edison and Victrola phonographs and host a debate. |
9th-12th Grade |
|
Custom |
Custom tours may be arranged for adult learners, university students, or any other teacher who wishes to use an alternate program. |
Any |
Sign up for a Guided Tour on Recreation.gov:
After creating an account or signing in through Recreation.gov, reserve a tour date using the calendar menu. Please note that if a date is unavailable, the reason is usually that another group has already reserved it.
After reserving your date, a Park Ranger or representative will contact you within 5-7 business days of your request to select a lesson plan and assist with planning your tour. After replying to this message, you will receive a confirmation letter, which you must bring with you on the day of your arrival.
Accredited, bona fide academic institutions will receive a fee waiver. If your group is not eligible for a fee waiver, a fee of $15 will be charged for any group member who is 16 years of age or older.
Please note that our facilities do not have any place for students to eat. Free vehicle and Bus parking is available across the street from our museum, which is located at 211 Main Street in West Orange, New Jersey.
Self-Guided Tours
In addition to guided tours, or in case a reservation is unavailable, groups can arrange a self-guided tour of the museum during any regular business hour, between 10AM to 4PM, Thursday through Sunday. Simply fill out the online form, and a ranger will confirm your details within 5-7 business days.
Once you have signed up for your tour, you will receive a confirmation letter within 5-7 business days. Please bring this letter with you on the day of your arrival.
Accredited, bona fide academic institutions will receive a fee waiver. If your group is not eligible for a fee waiver, a fee of $15 will be charged for any group member who is 16 years of age or older.
You may bring as many students as you wish, provided that there is at least 1 adult chaperone for every 15 students.
Please note that our facilities do not have any place for students to eat. Free vehicle and Bus parking is available across the street from our museum, which is located at 211 Main Street in West Orange, New Jersey. A small picnicking area is available near the parking lot.
"If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves"
-Thomas A. Edison
