Thomas Edison National Historical Park is currently open to the public Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M EST.
Exception: The park closes to the public between January and mid-March. Check back for precise dates.
Laboratory Complex
All visitors must begin at the Laboratory Complex Visitor Center.
The Laboratory Complex is open to the public when the park is open. Sites and attractions include:
- Visitor Center (Building 1) features an information desk, Eastern National souvenir and gift shop, informational orientation film screening room, and restrooms. Visitors may obtain Junior Ranger booklets and National Park Passport cancellation stamps here as well. The Visitor Center is also where park staff collects entry fees & issues Interagency Passes, audio tour guide devices, and Glenmont Grounds passes.
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Main Laboratory Building (Building 5) which includes Thomas Edison's library, machine shops, music room, and other exhibits. All three floors are now open for visitors to explore at their own pace; no guided tours are available. Stairs and an elevator provide access between the floors.
- Chemistry Laboratory (Building 2) houses Edison's historical chemical and material research laboratory. Open periodically as staffing permits.
- The Courtyard between the buildings allows visitors to explore a historic space and observe historical structures left in place by the Edison company, including a wood pattern shop, blacksmith, vaults, the water tower, and a replica of the Black Maria film studio. A free cell phone tour and the NPS App self-guided tour provide more information about the buildings and their historic nature.
Glenmont
All visitors, including those with Glenmont House Tour tickets, MUST stop at the Laboratory Complex Visitor Center and obtain a Glenmont Grounds pass before proceeding into Llewellyn Park and going to Glenmont.
Glenmont was the Edison family's estate, as well as the name of their mansion home. The grounds are usually open whenever the Laboratory Complex is open to the public.
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Weather Permits: Look inside Glenmont Greenhouse where volunteers from the Short Hills Garden Club and park volunteers care for a variety of exotic plants like those grown by the Edisons.
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Glenmont Garage which contains Thomas Edison’s historic vehicles (as staffing allows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
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Laboratory Courtyard Cell Phone/NPS App self-guided tour (information available at the visitor center)
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Glenmont Grounds Cell Phone/NPS App self-guided tour (information available at the visitor center)
