NPS Photo

Cylinder phonograph record storage.

Requesting an Audio Recording:

Before requesting a recording from Edison NHS, we strongly encourage you to search for a copy that is already available via other outlets. Click here for links to Edison-era recordings available on-line from non-profit and governmental organizations. An on-line discography of Edison records is available here http://www.truesoundtransfers.de/disco.htm.

An individual or group may request five total cylinder and/or standard-length disc recordings per year at no charge. A service fee of $42.00 per hour is charged for requests of more than five cylinder and/or standard-length disc recordings. The hourly fee will take into account the technical work of reformatting and/or duplicating the audio recording, as well as the additional time needed to fully process the request. 

Edison NHS does not supply audio media (CDRs, DVD-Rs, cassettes, etc.). Audio media must be supplied in advance by the requestor. Use of professional-quality media and cover-protection is strongly encouraged.

To begin a request for recordings, please download and print these two forms: "Audio Recording Duplication Request” and “Copyright and Privacy Restrictions”. Complete the forms on paper and mail them to:

Edison National Historic Site

Recorded Sound Archives

Main Street and Lakeside Avenue

West Orange, New Jersey  07052

Upon approval of the request forms and receipt of the necessary audio media and fee (if applicable), requestors should allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. Rush orders are not accepted. Questions can be addressed to the Museum Curator at the above mailing address, via email, or telephone at (973) 736-0550, ext. 48.