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Edison National Historic SiteThomas Edison sitting on the lawn of Glenmont.
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Edison National Historic Site
Photos & Multimedia
 
 
Edison disc phonograph storage room.
Disc phonograph record storage.

The Collections

The inventor who gave the world so many of its modern wonders also left behind a visual and documentary record. 

The historical collections at Edison National Historic Site illustrate the impact of Thomas Edison's work on the modern world.  The largest collection of Edison materials anywhere, many of these objects are the product of Thomas Alva Edisonss career as inventor, manufacturer, businessman, and private citizen.

 

 

Sounds: Find information on the sound recording archives. Listen to samples of early sound recordings.

Thomas Edison with his hand to his ear.
Thomas Edison ready to listen.
Listen to some Edison recordings.
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Cylinder phonograph record storage.
Cylinder phonograph record storage.
Requesting an audio recording.
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Audio Transfer Workstation
Audio transfer workstation.
Sound Recordings
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Photograph of Thomas Edison at the age of fourteen years.  

Did You Know?
There is a rumor that Edison was actually born in Mexico, based on his middle name Alva. However, Alva was the name of a family friend, Captain Bradley. When he was young, Edison's nickname was "Al," from his middle name Alva.

Last Updated: September 29, 2007 at 16:48 EST